On 23rd January 2009, Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat formally launched the e-Gram Vishwagram Project, offering broadband connectivity to all -13693 -Gram Panchayats of the state from the Haripura village. It has also helped 10,000 rural entrepreneurs in getting employment.
Gram Panchayat will offer services like issuing of documents and certificates, application forms for various development and welfare schemes, like record of rights (land records), property registration, vehicle registration, driving license, passport, commercial services, mande rates, health care, employment registration and distance learning; VSAT communication technology based broadband connectivity; free of cost communication between panchayats; and common service centre facility for the villagers. Villagers can also take advantage of internet and cyber services through the establishment of this e-Gram services. This e- Gram would gradually also take other services under its ambit, like Electricity-Telephone Bills, Visa, e-Postal services.
The technology partners involved in this e-Gram project are Airtel, Gilat, Cisco, IBM, Prodelin and Nokia Siemens Networks.
