Srinagar, April 3, 2025 — Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a remarkable transformation at the grassroots level, driven by substantial government investments in Panchayati Raj Institutions and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. This strategic push is empowering local governance, fostering rural development, and bridging the digital divide, positioning the Union Territory as a model of decentralised democracy and progress.
The central government has allocated significant funds to strengthen PRIs, with recent reports highlighting a commitment of over ₹3,520 crore for the 2024-25 financial year under schemes like the Fifteenth Finance Commission and the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan . These funds are empowering Gram Panchayats, Block Development Councils , and District Development Councils to spearhead development projects tailored to local needs. From constructing roads and community centres to improving water supply and sanitation, PRIs are now better equipped to address rural challenges, ensuring inclusive growth across Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse regions.
A key pillar of this transformation is the enhancement of digital infrastructure. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has prioritized equipping all 4,290 Gram Panchayats and 285 BDCs with computers, printers, scanners, and high-speed internet connectivity. This initiative, backed by ₹36.80 crore in funding, aims to make local governance more transparent, efficient, and accessible. Digital training programs for sarpanches and panchs have further enabled them to manage records, process payments under schemes like MGNREGA, and engage with citizens online, revolutionizing rural administration.
The impact of these efforts is evident across the Union Territory. In districts like Rajouri and Poonch, PRIs are implementing projects that enhance rural infrastructure and livelihoods, while in Kashmir’s Pulwama, solar-powered panchayat ghars are promoting sustainability. Initiatives like “Back to Village” and “Block Divas” have strengthened community participation, ensuring that development plans reflect grassroots aspirations. The government’s focus on devolving funds, functions, and functionaries—known as the 3Fs—has empowered PRIs to operate as true engines of self-governance.
This unprecedented support is also fostering economic and social equity. Skill development programs and rural entrepreneurship schemes, backed by PRI-led planning, are creating jobs and uplifting marginalized communities. Women’s participation in PRIs is on the rise, with training and mentorship programs encouraging leadership roles, though challenges like proxy sarpanches persist. The government’s commitment to transparency is further reinforced through platforms like “EMPOWERMENT” (Enabling Monitoring and Public Overview of Works), allowing citizens to track projects and hold officials accountable.
As Jammu and Kashmir marks this new era of grassroots development, the synergy of financial empowerment and digital innovation is reshaping rural landscapes. From modernised panchayat offices to community-driven projects, the region is witnessing a renaissance of local governance. With continued investment and focus on inclusivity, Jammu and Kashmir’s PRIs are not just strengthening democracy—they are building a foundation for sustainable prosperity.