Context:

• The e-Parivar Register initiative in Himachal Pradesh stands as a groundbreaking digital advancement in the state's Panchayati Raj system, which has been the backbone of local governance since the enactment of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act. This reform not only highlights the historical evolution of decentralized governance in the region but also underscores the digital leap toward efficient record-keeping and service delivery.

Key Points:

A legacy of local governance

• The roots of Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj system trace back to the early 1950s. With the passage of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act in 1952, the state laid the groundwork for decentralized decision-making.
•  The number of Gram Panchayats grew significantly—from 280 initially, to 466 by 1954, and to 638 by 1962.
• The merger of the hilly regions of Punjab with Himachal Pradesh in 1966 further expanded the system, increasing the number of Gram Panchayats to 1,695. Over time, key reforms and judicial functions assigned to these local bodies have enabled Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to address community-centric issues effectively.

The digital transformation: e-Parivar Register

• At the heart of this transformation lies the e-Parivar Register, a digital platform launched by Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj Department. This innovative system digitizes family records, ensuring they are accurate and accessible.
•  One of the most impressive achievements of this initiative is that 99.84% of family members have been verified, underscoring the register’s robustness and the meticulous approach to data collection.

Key features of the e-Parivar Register include:

• High verification accuracy: With 99.84% of family members verified, the register provides reliable and precise data that benefits both citizens and governance bodies.

• Secure and user-friendly access: Citizens can log in using either Parichay or HimAccess credentials to easily retrieve their family records and access a variety of services.

• Centralized services: The platform supports multiple services such as obtaining copies of the Pariwar Register, marriage and birth certificate registrations, and applications for death certificates. This centralization minimizes bureaucratic delays and simplifies processes for users.

• Robust technical support: A dedicated helpline is available to assist users with any technical issues, ensuring that even those less familiar with digital systems can benefit from the platform.

• Enhanced transparency: The ability to generate reports and verify information fosters accountability within the Panchayati Raj system.