New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has unveiled a comprehensive suite of digital enhancements aimed at fortifying Gram Panchayats across rural India. These reforms encompass cutting-edge technologies, from AI-enhanced meeting documentation to geo-spatial planning and user-friendly mobile applications, as stated in a recent announcement.

Key initiatives include SabhaSaar, an AI-based tool for efficiently recording and summarizing Gram Sabha meetings, SVAMITVA for digital land mapping and establishing property rights, eGramSwaraj for holistic online planning, accounting, and monitoring, Meri Panchayat mobile app for local data accessibility, and Gram Manchitra for geo-spatial planning, all of which are revolutionizing Panchayat operations.

These platforms enhance transparency and operational efficiency, empowering citizens to engage actively in local governance. As of August 2025, a remarkable 2.63 crore property cards have been issued across 1.73 lakh villages, while drone surveys have been conducted in 3.23 lakh villages as of July 2025, according to the statement.

The effectiveness of this digital transformation is evident, with 2.54 lakh Gram Panchayats having uploaded their Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) on the eGramSwaraj portal, and 2.41 lakh Gram Panchayats having successfully conducted online transactions for the 15th Finance Commission grants, as highlighted by the statement.

SabhaSaar, launched in August 2025, revolutionizes the process of documenting meetings by generating structured minutes from audio or video recordings of Gram Sabha and Panchayat gatherings. Previously, this task was labor-intensive and inconsistent. Now, SabhaSaar delivers accurate summaries in real time.

This tool integrates with 'Bhashini', the National Language Translation Mission, enabling it to function in 14 Indian languages, thereby ensuring accessibility to diverse communities. With SabhaSaar, Gram Panchayat officials can now concentrate on governance and service delivery, while the tool manages documentation, guaranteeing real-time, impartial records and enhanced transparency, as per the statement.

The SVAMITVA scheme, initiated by the Prime Minister, provides rural households with legal ownership documentation for their homes and lands.

By utilizing drones and advanced mapping technology, this initiative clearly delineates property boundaries. With these documents, families can secure bank loans, resolve disputes, and optimize their assets, while Gram Panchayats benefit from improved property tax collection and enhanced resource planning.

This initiative is executed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Survey of India, with the National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) acting as the technology partner. The approved budget for this initiative stands at Rs 566.23 crore from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25, with an extension up to FY 2025-26.

The SVAMITVA scheme has eliminated decades of dependence on revenue officials and patwaris for defining land ownership. Villagers are now empowered to map their own land using modern technology, granting them authority and security. Its success has garnered global attention and inspired other nations to consider similar initiatives, as noted in the statement.

The government initiated BharatNet in October 2011 to address the digital divide. The project aims to provide affordable, high-speed internet access to every Gram Panchayat.

Implemented by the Ministry of Communications, BharatNet strives to empower rural communities, foster inclusive growth, and enhance connectivity standards between villages and urban areas. It serves not only as an infrastructure project but also as the backbone propelling India towards becoming a digital nation, as emphasized in the statement.