New Delhi, Aug 27: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has appealed to citizens, organisations and companies to contribute towards improving digital facilities in villages through the DAANVEER initiative, a public participation programme that enables computers to be donated directly to eligible Gram Panchayats.
The initiative is designed to address gaps in digital infrastructure at the grassroots level and support Panchayats in using technology for administration and delivery of public services.
Through the Meri Panchayat App, people can identify Gram Panchayats that have been verified by state governments and require desktop computers. Donors can choose to support their own village or any other eligible Panchayat.
The donation process has been designed to be simple and transparent. After selecting a Panchayat, donors can choose the ‘Donate Computer’ option and access approved computer packages through the DigiHaat marketplace. The equipment is matched to the technical requirements specified for the respective state.
The system also allows contributors to follow the progress of their donation, from order placement and dispatch to delivery and acknowledgement by the Panchayat. A digital certificate of appreciation is issued after the contribution is completed.
For Gram Panchayats, better access to computers can support everyday functions such as maintaining records, managing finances, preparing development plans and providing digital services to residents.
The programme also creates an opportunity for people living outside their native villages, including members of the Indian diaspora, philanthropic organisations and companies, to contribute directly to the development of their communities.
According to the latest information from the Ministry, 75 computer donations had been made under the initiative as of August 27, reflecting an early response from citizens and organisations.
The government hopes wider participation will help more Gram Panchayats strengthen their digital capabilities. The initiative is being positioned as a partnership between government and citizens, with the aim of making local institutions better equipped to deliver services in an increasingly digital environment.
For rural residents, the effort could translate into better access to digital government services and more efficient local administration. For citizens, it offers a direct way to contribute to the development of their villages.
The broader objective is to strengthen grassroots governance by combining government programmes with community participation and ensuring that more villages have the basic digital tools needed for modern administration.