Smart Gram Panchayat pilot project

• The pilot project titled ‘Smart Gram Panchayat: Revolution towards Digitization of Gram Panchayat’ was launched recently.
• It aims to extend PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) Service in all Gram Panchayats across Begusarai District in Bihar.
  • Begusarai has now become the first District in Bihar to equip all Gram Panchayats with Wi-Fi services under the PM-WANI Scheme.

ABOUT PM-WANI SCHEME

• PM- WANI Scheme was launched by Department of Telecommunication in 2020.
• It aims to enhance proliferation of public WiFi hotspots to create robust digital communications infrastructure in country, especially in rural areas.
• The scheme encourages local shops and establishments to provide Wi-Fi for last-mile internet delivery which does not require a licence or charge a registration fee.
• PM-WANI ecosystem consists of four parts: Public Data Office (PDO), Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), App Provider, and Central Registry.
  • PDO establishes the Wi-Fi Hotspots and provides internet access to users.
  • PDOA provides authorisation and accounting services to PDOs.
  • The app provider displays the available hotspots in the phone’s proximity.
  • The central registry overseen by the Centre for Development of Telematics maintains details of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.