Soon the sarpanch, the ward member, mukhiya and other panchayati raj functionaries will be able to track funds flowing to panchayats online, send emails, view information on the internet and use the e-panchayat application.

The panchayati raj ministry has devised a training module on computer and internet for panchayati raj institutions (PRI) functionaries under its e-panchayat scheme.

Accordingly, the ministry has approval contents of the course viz. “Basic Computer Course” (BCC) and a scheme wherein PRI functionaries would be trained on BCC. The training will be imparted by DOEACC (a society under department of information technology, government of India) through its authorized centres.

The states/UTs have, therefore been asked to select trainees and recommend institutes to be considered for authorization and also ask such institutes to apply for authorization in prescribed proforma.

The course is designed for those PRI functionaries who do not have any experience of even basic computer operations. The duration of the course is 36 hours which can be covered at the convenience of the trainee. However, the ministry has advised that the course is completed at a stretch, over six days.

After the completion of the BCC course, the PRI functionaries should be able to:

1. Prepare personnel/business letters;
2. Maintain small accounts using the computer;
3. View information on internet (the web);
4. Send e-mail etc.
5. Learn on his/her own, using the CBT material prepared by the panchayati raj ministry;
6. Use the e-panchayat applications.

The training would be delivered through accredited or authorised centres of DOEACC. DOEACC will also consider authorizing/accrediting more centres on recommendation of respective state government and upon receipt of application. State panchayati raj departments have been asked to recommend suitable institutes, colleges, NGOs, BPOs etc in rural areas/block headquarters, that have the requisite infrastructure and faculty to impart the training.