e-Governance and Digitalization of Indian Rural Development

In a developing country like India, where more than half the population, resides in rural spaces, it becomes essential that the policies are made with an orientation towards the rural development. The Ministry of Rural development, as the face of government for rural population, has rolled out a variety of welfare schemes like MGNREGA -- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and PMAY-G -- Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojna Gramin, aimed at employment and housing for all. These schemes have been the very hallmarks of the social infrastructure of the country. It has fostered equality, and has been holistic and an aggressive attempt at alleviating poverty and for inclusive growth of all places. This has helped reduce migration and urbanization of only few places but has led to holistic growth across locations. However as the scope of these schemes have increased, the conventional approach of the government faced challenges. The widening interest and intersection with technology in governance has reinvigorated the process. Towards this, there has been sustained endeavor in the recent past to marry new emerging areas of technology to government. This has led to better implementation and management of the schemes and bringing e governance to people. To tackle the challenges stunting the progress of the welfare schemes, ICT enabled platforms like Awaassoft Awaas App, Gram Samvaad and NREGAsoft have been introduced. Digital governance has facilitated more transparency and brought the citizen close to the government.