🔆 DAANVEER: Strengthening Digital Infrastructure in Gram Panchayats 📍 Why in News? 🟢 The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched DAANVEER, a people-led Computer Crowdsourcing Initiative to strengthen digital infrastructure in Gram Panchayats. 🟢 It enables individuals and organisations to donate desktop computers directly to verified Gram Panchayats through the Meri Panchayat App. 📍 What is DAANVEER? 🟢 A technology-enabled, transparent and citizen-centric initiative for voluntary contribution to grassroots digital infrastructure. 🟢 It complements government-supported infrastructure under programmes such as Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). 🟢 Citizens can support their own or any eligible Gram Panchayat requiring computers. 📍 How Does It Work? 🟢 Open the Meri Panchayat App. 🟢 Select a State-verified Gram Panchayat requiring a computer. 🟢 Click “Donate Computer”. 🟢 Donor is automatically redirected to DigiHaat, an ONDC-enabled digital marketplace, without separate registration. 🟢 Select from standardised computer bundles meeting prescribed technical specifications and make digital payment. 🟢 Delivery details are auto-populated and the entire process can be tracked from purchase to delivery and acknowledgement. 🟢 After acknowledgement by the Gram Panchayat Secretary, the donor receives a digital Certificate of Appreciation. 📍 Significance 🟢 Strengthens Panchayats’ capacity for digital governance, planning, financial management, record-keeping and citizen service delivery. 🟢 Promotes participatory governance by allowing citizens, CSR organisations, philanthropists and the Indian diaspora to contribute directly to grassroots institutions. 🟢 The model enhances transparency and accountability through end-to-end digital tracking. 🟢 As of 27 August 2026, 75 donations had already been made. 📍 Prelims Pointers 🟢 DAANVEER → Computer Crowdsourcing Initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. 🟢 Meri Panchayat App → Platform through which eligible Panchayats and donations are accessed. 🟢 DigiHaat → ONDC-enabled digital marketplace used for the donation transaction. 🟢 RGSA → Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan. 🟢 Focus → Digital infrastructure + grassroots governance + citizen participation. 📌 Case Study / Example 🟢 DAANVEER demonstrates how public participation can complement government expenditure to bridge the digital infrastructure gap at the Panchayat level. 🎯 Mains Application DAANVEER exemplifies participatory e-governance by combining digital transparency, citizen philanthropy and decentralised service delivery to strengthen grassroots institutions. ✎ MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION “Digital empowerment of Gram Panchayats is essential for realising the objectives of decentralised and participatory governance.” Discuss the significance of initiatives such as DAANVEER in strengthening grassroots governance in India. 10 marks · 150 words #Governance
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