Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh on Tuesday inaugurated a landmark initiative at Paprour Gram Panchayat under Barauni Block of Begusarai District, signalling a significant leap towards digital empowerment in Grameen Bharat (rural India).

The pilot project titled ‘Smart Gram Panchayat: Revolution towards Digitization of Gram Panchayat’ was launched with the aim to extend PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) Service in all Gram Panchayats across Begusarai District in Bihar. Begusarai has now become the first District in Bihar to equip all Gram Panchayats with Wi-Fi services under the PM-WANI Scheme.

In his address, Mr Giriraj Singh emphasised the importance of leveraging technology for the betterment and development of rural communities. He highlighted various schemes introduced by the Central Government, aimed at empowering rural areas through digital initiatives.

He also emphasised the necessity for Panchayat representatives and functionaries to embrace technology for empowerment, growth and holistic development of Gram Panchayats. He urged everyone, irrespective of age or background, to adopt technology as an integral part of their lives, highlighting the transformative impact it can bring.

With the launch of Wi-Fi services in Gram Panchayats, the positive change envisioned by the Government will manifest across various aspects of rural life.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive growth and empowerment, including the ambitious goal of making three crore women ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

He called upon local residents and Panchayat representatives to work cohesively towards the all-round development of their villages with the use of technology.

The minister highlighted the transformative power of technology in gradually elevating villages towards becoming Smart Panchayats and smart communities. He also emphasised that technology has the potential to make villages smarter in a gradual manner.

The minister elucidated the transformative potential of user-friendly and uninterrupted Wi-Fi services, particularly highlighting their benefits to various segments of rural society including members of women self-help groups, Aajeevika Didis, Banking Correspondent (BC) Sakhi, farmers and students. He underlined their pivotal role in the development of a Viksit Bharat.

Mr Singh emphasised that the accessibility of Wi-Fi services in rural areas will catalyse growth across new sectors and significantly enhance existing ones. He hailed the PM-WANI Scheme as revolutionary, providing seamless internet connectivity aimed at promoting Digital India and bolstering the vision of a self-reliant India.