Programme Design
The Capacity Building for Viksit Panchayat initiative is a pilot programme of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), conceptualised under the principles of Mission Karmayogi to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as the foundation of decentralised governance. The programme is designed to build the capacities of both elected representatives and Panchayat-level officials to enable them to discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities more effectively.
While Panchayats have been constitutionally empowered through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, capacity gaps at the grassroots level continue to constrain effective planning, financial management, service delivery, and citizen engagement. The Viksit Panchayat Initiative responds to this challenge by adopting a competency-based approach that focuses on what Panchayat functionaries are expected to do, the competencies required to perform these roles, and the systems needed to support them.
The programme has been designed as a pilot intervention, with implementation across four states—Assam, Odisha, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh—covering approximately 60 Gram Panchayats. The pilot approach allows for contextual adaptation while maintaining a common design framework, enabling the Commission to generate evidence, refine methodologies, and develop models that are demonstrable and scalable. The long-term intent is to inform national-level capacity-building strategies for PRIs, in partnership with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Objectives of the Programme
The primary objective of the Viksit Panchayat Initiative is to bridge critical competency gaps at the Panchayat level and strengthen institutional functioning of PRIs. The programme seeks to enhance the ability of Panchayat representatives and officials to:
- Plan and implement development interventions aligned with local needs
- Manage financial resources effectively and in compliance with established norms
- Deliver public services and entitlements efficiently
- Engage citizens in participatory decision-making processes
- Strengthen accountability and transparency mechanisms at the local level
Evidence-Based Scalable Models
An important objective of the initiative is also to develop evidence-based, scalable capacity-building models that can be adapted across states and institutional contexts. By documenting processes, outcomes, and implementation learnings, the programme aims to contribute to national discourse on Panchayat capacity building and inform future policy and programme design.
Methodology Adopted
The programme follows a competency-based and participatory methodology, combining research, stakeholder engagement, experiential learning, and technology-enabled support.
Competency-Based Framework
At the core of the programme is role-based competency mapping for key Panchayat functionaries, including elected representatives and officials. The Commission worked with subject matter experts, SIRDs, and practitioners to identify the functional, behavioural, and domain competencies required for effective Panchayat governance. This mapping provided the foundation for assessment, learning design, and monitoring.
Stakeholder Consultations and Training Needs Analysis
Extensive consultations were conducted at the state and Panchayat levels involving Commissionerates of Panchayati Raj, SIRDs, District Collectors of intervention districts, Sarpanches, Panchayat Secretaries, and other stakeholders. These consultations served two purposes: stakeholder onboarding and training needs analysis. Based on these discussions, priority themes for capacity building were identified, ensuring that the programme responds to real operational challenges faced by Panchayats.
Learning Design and Delivery Approach
The programme adopts the 70:20:10 model of learning, with emphasis on experiential learning (70%) and peer-based learning (20%), supported by structured self-learning (10%). This approach marks a shift away from traditional classroom-centric training towards learning that is embedded in day-to-day work contexts.
A learning design workshop was organised, bringing together experts in adult learning, academicians, civil society practitioners, state government officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Based on the synthesis of inputs from this workshop, 14 learning modules were developed, covering key competency areas relevant to Panchayat-level governance. These modules have been prepared in hardcopy and are being digitised for rollout.
Technology Enablement
Technology forms a critical enabler of the programme. The learning content and training management are being integrated through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, ensuring alignment with Mission Karmayogi's digital learning ecosystem. iGOT will host the learning modules, track participation, and support training management functions.
In addition, an AI-enabled chatbot is being developed to provide on-demand, context-specific support to Panchayat functionaries. The chatbot is designed to address queries related to roles, governance processes, schemes, and entitlements, thereby reinforcing learning beyond formal training sessions. Beta testing of the chatbot has been completed, and the tool is currently in the advanced stages of development following multiple rounds of feedback.
Assessment and Monitoring
The programme incorporates a structured assessment framework, including baseline, midline, and endline assessments. A baseline survey was conducted across intervention Panchayats to assess current competency levels and capture indicators related to institutional knowledge, planning capacities, fund utilisation practices, and citizen perceptions. These data points will serve as reference benchmarks to measure progress and impact over the programme period.
Implementation Geography and Partnerships
The pilot is being implemented across four states—Assam, Odisha, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, covering approximately 60 Gram Panchayats. State-specific implementation models have been adopted to reflect local institutional contexts while maintaining a common programme framework.
National Anchor
Kaivalya Education Foundation (Piramal) - Programme anchoring at national level
ChatBot Development
Tech4Dev - Developing WhatsApp-based AI Chatbot, currently undergoing field testing
Research Partners
Navagraam - Supporting baseline and impact assessments
State-Level Partners
KEF has engaged experienced organisations with strong grassroots presence in each state in addition to SIRDs and Panchayat Commissionerate
Current Status and Progress to Date
Over the past year, the Commission has focused on programme design, preparatory activities, and readiness for rollout. Key milestones achieved include:
These activities have ensured that the programme enters the implementation phase with a strong evidence base, stakeholder ownership, and operational readiness.
Impact Metrics
Outputs
- Number of PRI members trained and certified through blended learning modalities
- Number of customized training modules delivered and adopted
- Volume of user activity and feedback on the technology platforms (app, LMS, chatbot)
- GPDP plans prepared with community inputs and evidence of best practices adoption
Outcomes
- Improved governance capacity, leadership, and citizen-centric service delivery at Panchayat level
- Higher proportion of PRIs using digital tools for planning and public interface
- Increased citizen participation in local decision-making and planning processes
- Greater adoption of financial and resource management practices across Panchayats
Indicators
Way Forward
The programme will now move into full-scale implementation across the selected Panchayats, with continued monitoring, midline assessments, and adaptive refinements based on field feedback. Documentation of processes and outcomes will be undertaken to inform future scale-up. The Commission will continue to engage with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and state governments to ensure alignment with national and state priorities.
Through this pilot, the Capacity Building Commission aims to demonstrate how a structured, competency-based approach can strengthen Panchayats and contribute meaningfully to decentralised governance and local development.