Using technology to bring efficiency and transparency in the administration, the Vijayapura Zilla Panchayat created a YouTube channel to upload videos and share information about its activities.
Vikas Suralkar, CEO, ZP, who got the channel ‘ZP Vijayapura’ created about over a fortnight ago, said it was aimed at disseminating people-centric information of the ZP.
Initiated on a pilot basis, the channel has already uploaded some programmes and videos of success stories, events organised through the ZP, and government programmes launched for rural development . Some of these include Jalamrut scheme, construction of checkdam/ bunds, Kisan Scheme, MGNERGA, sapling plantation, rainwater harvesting, etc. The channel already has 132 subscribers and hundreds of people have watched the videos uploaded on it.
Mr. Suralkar, elated with the success and response, said the project is first of its kind to highlight government schemes and encourage the people to make use of them. He said the channel was created by local technical staff of the ZP who are also maintaining it. He said that a video of Gram Sabhas would also be uploaded. The government has made holding Gram Sabhas mandatory in selection of beneficiaries or implementing of certain schemes in rural areas. Since it is also mandatory to make the names of the beneficiaries public, the channel could be used to read out the names. This will help in maintaining transparency in selection of the beneficiaries.
“We have several plans to upgrade and update the channel to make it more comprehensive, educational and attractive for the common people. Since today, almost everyone holding a smart phone and with access to the Internet can visit the channel and get information about schemes. They can also replicate success stories in their villages and farms”, Mr. Suralkar said.
Shivayougappa Nedalgi, ZP president, said that since Mr. Suralkar was doing a good job, all the members were supporting him.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Vijayapura – September 25th, 2019