On November 14, 2024, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched its pavilion at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF), marking a key milestone in India’s digital transformation of rural governance. The pavilion, located at Hall 4, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, showcases how the Panchayati Raj system is integrating with next-gen digital tools to empower rural citizens and improve governance at the grassroots level.
During the inauguration, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized that the pavilion symbolizes the connection between urban and rural India, bringing to the forefront various digital initiatives that are revolutionizing rural administration. These include the Meri Panchayat App, which enables citizens to directly engage with local governance via smartphones, and the e-Gram Swaraj platform, available in 22 languages, to streamline Panchayat planning and administration.
Visitors can explore innovative models such as the Smart Panchayat, which uses solar energy and high-speed internet to offer services like telemedicine and digital financial services through Common Service Centres (CSCs) co-located in Panchayat Bhawans. The SVAMITVA Scheme, featured in the pavilion, also highlights how technology is transforming rural property rights and boosting economic opportunities.
The pavilion offers an interactive experience with 3D models, virtual reality, and geospatial technology for participatory planning, aiming to shape the future of rural India as a digitally empowered and self-reliant hub of progress. The exhibition continues until November 27, 2024, with visitor feedback playing an essential role in refining these initiatives for the benefit of rural communities.