Parliament Question: Meri Panchayat App

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRYOF PANCHAYATI RAJ LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION 5255 ANSWEREDON 24.03.2026 MERI PANCHAYAT APP 5255.SHRIJAGADISH SHETTAR: Will the Minister of PANCHAYATIRAJ be pleased to State: (a) the details of the measures that are being taken to provide Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) internet connectivity to all Gram Panchayats to ensure the success of digital tools like the Meri Panchayat App; and (b) whether it hasbeensuccessful, if so,the detailsthereof,particularlyinKarnataka? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRIRAJIVRANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a) & (b) The Government is committed to strengthening digital infrastructure at the Gram Panchayat (GP) level to enable effective implementation of digital governance tools, including the Meri Panchayat App. Gram Panchayats are connected to the internet through multiple mediums, including Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) connections and through the services providedbyprivate Internet ServiceProviders. As per the data available with the Ministry, 2,52,742 Gram Panchayats (97.68%), out of a totalof 2,58,730 Gram Panchayats,have beenonboardedontheeGramSwaraj Portal.Further, 2,44,175 Gram Panchayats and equivalent (96%) have carried out online payments amounting to ₹39,440 crore through the eGramSwaraj–PFMS interface during the current financial year. Thislevel of adoptionindicates substantial availabilityof internet connectivity at the Gram Panchayat level. Additionally, under the BharatNet Programme, being implemented by the Department of Telecommunications, optical fibre connectivity is being provided to the Gram Panchayats to enable high-speed broadbandservices, includingFiber-To-The-Home (FTTH)connections. As per the information available on the BharatNet UNMS dashboard, 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs)/ TLBs have been made service-ready. With specific reference to the State of Karnataka,allGram Panchayats (5949) have beenmade Serviceready. *** 1