An Evaluation of the Role of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in Strengthening Rural Governance and Development: A Study of Panchrukhi Block, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh

Arun Kumar, Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma

Abstract: This has given rise to the transformative power of technology in enhancing rural governance, to make it more transparent, accountable, service-oriented and participatory. To improve grassroots governance, the Government of India has launched several digital governance initiatives such as Digital India, e-Panchayat, Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). But it is difficult to find empirical evidence on their effectiveness in rural and hilly areas. This study aims at analysing the role of technology in promoting rural governance and development in Panchrukhi block of Kangra district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The overall research design in this study is descriptive research design and type of data used is primary data which is obtained from a structured questionnaire carried out by distributing the form through Google Form with a sample of 103 respondents. The data was analysed using descriptive statistical methods like frequencies and percentages. The results indicate a high degree of digital preparedness among the respondents, as a large proportion of them owned a smartphone (94.1%), spent time on the internet every day (92.2%), and had access to bank accounts (100%). It also shows that a majority of the respondents were aware of major digital governance initiatives such as Digital India (80.6%), Common Service Centres (80.6%) and e-Governance services (71.8%). Most of the respondents who were contacted stated that they use digital platforms to access government services, online banking, payment of utility bills, welfare schemes and to communicate with Panchayati Raj Institutions. The study also shows that respondents believe that technology enhances transparency (90.3%), transparency in reducing corruption (71.8%), citizen participation (86.4%), faster delivery of government benefits (85.4%) and access to education (98.1%), health services (90.3%) and welfare programmes (87.4%). However, there are still other challenges such as lack of internet connectivity, weak electricity supply, lack of digital skills, language barriers, and gender and age disparities in access to digital technologies. The study concludes that technology has successfully enhanced rural governance and helped to achieve inclusive rural development, but continuing investments in digital infrastructure, technology capacity building, digital literacy and institutional strengthening are needed to ensure digital governance initiatives are implemented in a sustainable and equitable manner in rural areas.

Keywords: Rural Governance, Digital Governance, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), E-Governance, Digital India, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Common Service Centres (CSCs), Rural Development, Digital Inclusion, Himachal Pradesh

How to Cite?: Arun Kumar, Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma, "An Evaluation of the Role of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in Strengthening Rural Governance and Development: A Study of Panchrukhi Block, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 689-694, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26809210313, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26809210313

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