Bihar Panchayats set for e-Governance

The Government of Bihar has approved a proposal to introduce e-Governance in all its 8,479 Panchayats at a cost of INR 252 million. The Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation (BSEDC)) will design the software for the e-Governance project in cooperation with the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (ILFS) will monitor its implementation. Under the project, Panchayat Information Centres or Panchayat Portals called 'Vasudha Kendras' will be set up. This will enable villagers to connect with the outside world and provide affordable and easy access to information about the government and its policies. 'Vasudha Kendras' will be connected to all state departments through the Internet and the government will provide computers and Internet connections at the Panchayat Level Centre. The project aims to establish direct contact with villagers and making the functioning of the government more transparent. According to the plan, eight government departments, including the Chief Minister Secretariat, will be linked to the State-wide Area Network (SWAN). Video-conferencing facility has also been set up in the state's 38 district headquarters.