In a momentous achievement for rural digital transformation, Rohini Gram Panchayat in Shirpur taluka, Dhule district, Maharashtra, has won the Gold Award in the National e-Governance Awards 2025. Despite being a 100% tribal village, Rohini has emerged as a national model for technology-driven rural governance. The Gram Panchayat was selected from over 1.45 lakh entries across India in the Grassroots Level Initiatives category and will receive the award at the 28th National e-Governance Conference in Visakhapatnam on June 9, 2025.
Why in News?
Rohini Gram Panchayat has been conferred the Gold Award under the “Grassroots Level Initiatives” category of the National e-Governance Awards 2025. The award is presented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Recognized for implementing over 956 digital services, the village is a model of digital inclusion, especially for Scheduled Areas.
About the Award
- The National e-Governance Awards are presented annually to recognize best practices in e-governance initiatives across the country.
- Rohini stood out among 1.45 lakh applications from all over India.
- The Gold Award includes a trophy, certificate, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.
Other winners
- Silver: West Majlishpur Gram Panchayat, Tripura
- Jury Awards: Palsana (Gujarat) & Suakati (Odisha)
Digital Success Story of Rohini Gram Panchayat
- Located in a 100% tribal area of Scheduled Tribes, in Dhule district, Maharashtra.
- Developed a fully online service delivery system:
- Birth & death certificates available via WhatsApp and email.
- Online fee payments and a user-friendly portal.
- Adheres to Maharashtra Right to Public Services Act with delivery within 7 working days.
Key Digital Services Provided (956+)
- Education: Digitized school records, monitoring of attendance.
- Women and Child Welfare: Anganwadi data management, maternal health updates.
- Health: Immunization tracking, public health alerts.
- Agriculture & Animal Husbandry: Livestock records, subsidy info, weather alerts.
- Certificates: Automated issuing of birth/death certificates, ration card updates.
Community Engagement via Social Media
- Uses YouTube, Facebook, Instagram for community announcements and awareness drives.
Previous Recognition
- Already recognized by the Government of Maharashtra as an e-Governance Gram Panchayat.
Significance
- Sets an example for Digital India at the grassroots.
- Empowers tribal communities through transparent, efficient governance.
- Demonstrates how technology bridges rural-urban service gaps.