Mukhiyas in Bihar to get Smartphones
Panchayats to go hi-tech as mukhiyas get smartphones
#Bihar Bihar government has decided to provide smartphones to all mukhiyas and gram panchayats across the state with a view to increasing their administrative efficiency.
"This decision has been taken to improve the administrative efficiency of mukhiyas and gram panchayats, so that they remain updated with the activities of the department and give suggestions online. If they face any problem, they can also use our online helpline," said state Panchayati Raj minister Bhim Singh.
However, the government has not allocated any specific funds for the scheme.
According to a report in Times of India, they will soon issue guideline in which every mukhiya would be asked to use a fixed amount from the administrative fund of the gram panchayat to buy smart phones.
The government's initiative is to bring transparency in the functioning of panchayats, check irregularities, help in implementation of fast-track schemes for poor beneficiaries and ensure development at the ground level.
"Panchayati Raj department is fast adopting e-governance. All our processes, including accounting, mapping, funding, operation, administration will be done electronically in near future," Bhim Singh said.
Within two months, all the 8,402 mukhiyas will own smart phones. The state government has also decided to provide each gram panchayat an assistant who will have a laptop to stay updated.
The government is yet to finalize the upper limit of price of smart phone. The minister said, "It would be roughly around Rs 8,000. If any mukhiya wishes to buy a costlier phone, he will have to spend the balance from his own pocket."
Also, the department won't give any training to mukhiyas for using smart phones, nor will they pay the mobile or internet bills. The government has not collaborated with any mobile store, mobile company or mobile network company for this scheme.
Mukhiyas are free to buy mobile phone of any company from any mobile store and use sim card of any network, the minister said.
