IMPACT OF ICT IN STRENGTHENING TRANSPARENCY IN RURAL LOCAL GOVERNANCE: A CASE STUDY IN FOUR GRAM PANCHAYATS IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in local governance public service delivery systems has added a new dimension the recent times. In West Bengal, processes decentralisation institutional issues were assisted by special projects like SRD (Strengthening Rural Decentralisation) ISGP (Institutional Strengthening Gram Panchayats) respectively supported DFID (2005-2011) World Bank (2011-ongoing). Emphasis on GIS based monitoring decentralised planning process, tracking key services provided Panchayats, GPMS (Gram Panchayat Management System) software for administrative financial management are few these measures which rely ICTs system. Apart from that, Ministry Panchayati Raj issued several guidelines uniform portal e-Gramswaraj uploading Development Plans online. It is widely believed that accountability transparency can be ensured institutions Panchayats with advent such measures. this article we will analyse effectiveness ICT bringing strengthen Panchayats. Four District Birbhumwere selected to understand how effective implementation impact overall strengthening For purpose rigour study GPs basis identified socio-economic other important methodological indicators. Elected Representatives residents as respondents. visited purpose. collection data structured questionnaire, personal interview, FGDs case methods also used.The finding shows role rural process limited. practices, cycle, improved undoubtedly but it not panacea viewed some experts. argues limited involvement low attendance Sabha Sansads meetings cannot compensated modern technologies.