Mahatma Gandhi NREGA ICT initiatives taken in Sikkim

Mahatma Gandhi NREGA: ICT initiatives taken in Sikkim Rural Management and Development Department Government of Sikkim

Districts: 4 Blocks: 27 Gram Panchayat Units (GPU): 163 Gram Panchayat Wards (GPW): 891 District GPU NORTH 23 EAST 42 SOUTH 45 WEST 53 TOTAL 163 GPW 118 233 257 283 891

Block Administrative Centre

Gram Prashashan Kendra

ICT Initiatives taken in the state: 1. State MGNREGA Cell with 6 professionals constituted in Nov 2009 q The state MGNREGA cell is technically equipped with computers and internet access. 2. District MGNREGA Cell q Apart from the State MGNREGA cell, District MGNREGA cell has been set up in all four districts. q The cell is equipped with ICT infrastructure to cater to Blocks lacking such facility q It also serves as the MGNREGA resource center in the district

…ICT Initiatives 3. Full time Assitant Programme Officers (APOs) have been appointed at the Block level in Jan 2010 q All APOs come from technical educational background. q They have been provided with a laptop each. 4. Email as prime mode of communication q All functionaries of MGNREGA in the state have been given a dedicated gmail id for faster and enhanced communication.

…ICT Initiatives • 5. Use of GPS in DHARA VIKAS works supported under MGNREGA Dhara Vikas: Ensuring Rural water security Resource mapping by preparation of Village Spring Atlas Spring-shed Development Works Program supported under NREGA

Planning of Dhara Vikas works

Dhara Vikas (at Kaluk, West Sikkim) Rainwater harvesting to artificially recharge springs

http: //springsofsikkim. org

…ICT Initiatives 6. Convergence with the Chief Minister’s Rural Universal Financial Inclusion Project within 2 months q Under the CMRUFI project, banking in rural areas will be given a new face. q. All MGNREGA beneficiaries shall have their account transformed under the CMRUFI q. Account holders shall be given smart cards q. Withdrawal shall be through biometric scanners of identified business correspondents

Chief Minister’s RURAL Universal Financial inclusion project

…ICT Initiatives 7. Using Google Earth q Identification of Ward Boundaries using google earth is being undertaken in the state q Work taken up under MGNREGA is being identified and thumb-nailed q A broad picture of work taken up and its worksite can be generated 8. Estimation Automation Software for You (EASY) q In order to enhance transparency & reduce delay, an inhouse estimation software (EASY) has been designed.

Transparency Safeguards • 100% implementation through Gram Panchayats • 57, 000 bank / post office accounts already opened • Social Audit of all the 163 Gram Panchayats in all the 4 districts completed for 2009 -10 and started for 2010 -11 • Complaint and Grievance Redressal mechanism established • NREGS Toll Free Helpline 7979 operational in Head Office for providing help and redressal of complaints • Transparent material purchase norms have been notified and wide publicity has been given • Ombudsman has been appointed by a committee headed by the Chief Secretary and his office has been made operational

Drawbacks: • Although tremendous effort is being made in improving the ICT infrastructure in the State: q Due to geographical parameters, frequent landslides cause some of the Blocks to be completely cut-off in communication. q BSNL is the major internet service provider in the state, q Till-date some of the blocks have none or very unreliable internet connectivity.

• End of Presentation THANK YOU!