In News:

The Government of India is set to launch ‘SabhaSaar’, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tool designed to automatically generate structured minutes of gram sabha meetings, thereby enhancing transparency, uniformity, and efficiency in local governance. The tool will be first rolled out in Tripura on Independence Day (August 15) and later extended to other states.

What is SabhaSaar?

• Gram Sabha: It is the primary body of the Panchayati Raj system, consisting of all registered voters of a gram panchayat. Gram sabhas are mandated to meet at least four times a year (January 26, May 1, August 15, and October 2).
• SabhaSaar: An AI tool that converts audio and video recordings of gram sabha meetings into structured minutes, ensuring uniformity across the country.
• Access: Panchayat officials can upload recordings using their e-GramSwaraj login credentials.

Key Features

• AI-driven transcription &summarisation: Generates transcripts, translates into the chosen language, and prepares concise summaries.
• Language inclusivity: Built on Bhashini, the government’s AI-powered language platform, it supports transcription in all major Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati) and English.
• Standardisation: Ensures uniformity of gram sabha documentation nationwide.
• Ease of governance: Facilitates instant access to insights for panchayats, administrative bodies, and rural development projects.

Associated Reforms for Gram Sabhas

• Panchayat NIRNAY Portal: A real-time monitoring system for gram sabha meetings, enabling scheduling, agenda notification to citizens, decision tracking, and transparency in implementation.
• Recent progress: In 2024–25, more than 10,000 gramsabha meetings were held through the NIRNAY platform, with Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar leading in usage.

Significance

• Governance efficiency: Automates and digitises record-keeping, reducing errors and delays.
• Transparency & accountability: Ensures that decisions of gram sabhas are properly recorded and accessible.
• Public participation: Facilitates better citizen awareness and engagement in local governance.
• Bridging digital divide: Through Bhashini, makes governance accessible across linguistic barriers.