MoPR releases a pivotal report for 2026 on strengthening grassroots service delivery, expanding core services from 7 to over 50. Discover the new two-tier structure, mandatory service standards, digital integration, and strengthened NAeG Awards framework for Panchayats aimed at citizen-centric governance and 'Viksit Bharat @2047'.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Government of India, has released a comprehensive report by the Committee for Strengthening Service Delivery at the Grassroots, targeting a significant overhaul and expansion of public services provided by Gram Panchayats. This landmark report, dated 2026, aims to transform grassroots governance, aligning it with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ by ensuring efficient, transparent, technology-driven, and citizen-centric service delivery.
Report Overview & Key Changes
This report outlines critical recommendations to enhance the scope and quality of services offered by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The core focus is on broadening the range of essential services and establishing a robust framework for their delivery and assessment.
| Particulars | Earlier Framework (Mysuru Declaration 2021) | Revised Framework (Report 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Common Services | 7 services mandated | Expanded to 50+ services (Mandatory) |
| Service Categories | Single tier | Two-tier: Core Common (Mandatory) & Aspirational (Progressive) |
| Service Standards | General guidelines | Mandated timelines, service fees, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) |
| Grievance Redressal | Mechanisms encouraged | Institutionalised grievance redressal mechanisms |
| Technology Integration | Digital initiatives in some states | Mandatory integration of digital tools (tracking, SMS, mobile apps) |
| Awards Framework | National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) | Strengthened NAeG Awards framework with new assessment parameters (for 2025-26) |
What Changed: Key Recommendations
The Committee’s report proposes a transformative approach to service delivery at the Gram Panchayat level, moving beyond the initial 7 core services to an expanded list of over 50. This includes a clear distinction between mandatory and aspirational services, ensuring a structured and scalable approach.
Expansion of Core Common Services
The list of mandatory Core Common Services has been significantly expanded to cover a wider array of citizen needs. These services are expected to be delivered in a time-bound, standardized, and technology-enabled manner by every Gram Panchayat.
- Certificates: Birth, Death, Residence, Marriage, Caste (SC/ST, OBC, Minority), Income, Economically Weaker Section (EWS)/BPL, Character, Senior Citizen, Disability/UDID, Domicile.
- MGNREGA Services: Issue of Job Card, Request for Work, Providing Employment to Unskilled Labours.
- Ration Card Services: Application for New Ration Card, Amendment of Ration Card.
- Property & Land Services: Mutation of Land Records, Land Conversion Certificate, Property Tax.
- Pensions: Widow Pension, Physically Handicapped Pension, Old Age Pension.
- Basic Infrastructure & Civil Services: New Water Supply Connection, Disconnection of Water Supply, Maintenance of Drinking Water, Drinking Water Quality Testing Request, Maintenance of Streetlight, Drainage Repair Request, Minor Road/Footpath Repair Request, Solid Waste Management Application, Waste Management Grievance.
- Labour & Employment: Worker Registration, e-Shram Card, Unemployed Certificate.
- Family Services: Attestation of Family Tree, Family Register.
- Other Essential Services: Construction Permit/Building Construction License, No Objection Certificate (for business, electricity connection, telecommunication/cable infrastructure), Agricultural Family Member Certificate, Crop Certificate, Non Creamy Layer Certificate, Surviving Family Members Certificate, National Family Benefit Scheme, Physically Handicapped Pension, Solvency Certificate, Farmer Widow Pension, Bonafide Certificate, Land Less Certificate, Non Tenancy Certificate, Occupancy Certificate, Agriculturist Certificate, Widow Certificate.
Aspirational Services
Beyond the mandatory services, the report identifies ‘Aspirational Services’ that Panchayats can adopt as their capacity strengthens. These progressive services aim to further deepen service delivery and include:
- Trade License issuance
- SHG/Cooperative registration
- PM Vishwakarma ID issuance
- Agriculture-related licenses (Fertilizer/Seed, Pesticide, Soil Health Card)
- Anganwadi enrolments for children
- Minority Scholarship enrolment
- Small & Marginal Farmer Certificate, Agriculture Income Certificate, Jeevan Pramaan/Life Certificate
Mandatory Timelines, Fees & Grievance Redressal
To ensure accountability and efficiency, the report mandates specific timelines, service fees, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for all Core Common Services. Furthermore, institutionalized grievance redressal mechanisms will be established to address citizen concerns promptly.
Integration of Digital Tools
States and UTs are required to integrate technology-enabled platforms such as digital tracking systems, automated SMS alerts for status updates, and mobile applications into their service delivery processes. This will enhance transparency and ease of access for citizens.
Strengthening National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG)
The assessment framework for the National Awards for e-Governance (Grassroots Service Delivery Category) for 2025-2026 will be strengthened. The new criteria will align with the enhanced Core Common Services and include metrics on timeliness, technology usage, transparency, grievance redressal, and the range of additional services offered by Panchayats.
Reason for Change
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj recognizes the critical role of Gram Panchayats as the first point of contact for public services in rural India. The expansion and standardization of services are driven by the need to:
- Enhance inclusivity, responsiveness, and citizen satisfaction.
- Improve the ease of living for rural citizens.
- Foster proactive local governance and stronger accountability.
- Reduce bureaucracy and corruption.
- Ensure timely and quality public services across all Gram Panchayats.
This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving the vision of a developed, inclusive, and self-reliant ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’.
Action Required for Gram Panchayats & States/UTs
Gram Panchayats and State/UT governments are expected to institutionalize the delivery of these enhanced core common services. This includes notifying service delivery timelines, costs, and grievance redressal mechanisms, and integrating technology-enabled platforms to ensure transparent and efficient service delivery.
Important Dates
| Event | Date/Timeline |
|---|---|
| Committee Meetings | 1st July 2025 & 8th August 2025 |
| Report Target Completion | 31st August 2025 |
| Awards Assessment Framework | For assessment year 2025-2026 |
| Report Year | 2026 (as per cover) |
What This Means for Citizens
Improved Access to Services: Citizens can expect a wider range of essential services to be available directly at their Gram Panchayat, reducing the need to travel to district or block offices. The standardization means more predictable and transparent service delivery, regardless of location.
Digital Convenience: The push for digital integration means easier tracking of applications, online status updates, and potentially mobile app-based services, making interactions with local governance more convenient.
Enhanced Accountability: With mandated timelines, fees, and grievance redressal mechanisms, citizens will have clearer expectations and avenues to address any service delivery issues, fostering greater trust in local institutions.
Participatory Governance: The emphasis on citizen-centric service delivery and public disclosure (e.g., in Gram Sabha meetings) aims to empower citizens to actively participate in local governance and hold Panchayats accountable.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main objective of this MoPR report?
A: The main objective is to strengthen service delivery at the grassroots level by expanding the range of core common services provided by Gram Panchayats, mandating service standards, integrating digital tools, and establishing a robust awards framework for performance assessment.
Q2: How many services will Gram Panchayats now offer as ‘Core Common Services’?
A: The report recommends expanding the Core Common Services from the existing 7 to over 50, which will be mandatory for all Gram Panchayats to deliver.
Q3: What is the difference between ‘Core Common Services’ and ‘Aspirational Services’?
A: ‘Core Common Services’ are mandatory and essential services that every Gram Panchayat must deliver in a standardized, time-bound, and technology-enabled manner. ‘Aspirational Services’ are progressive services that Panchayats can adopt over time as their institutional capacity and digital readiness strengthen.
Q4: Will there be a fee for these services?
A: The report mandates notified service fees for all Core Common Services. Specific fee amounts for each service will be determined and notified by the respective States/UTs.
Q5: How will citizens track their applications for these services?
A: States/UTs are required to integrate technology-enabled platforms, including digital tracking systems, automated SMS, and mobile applications, to provide online status updates for applications.
Q6: What are the ‘National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG)’ mentioned in the report?
A: The NAeG are awards instituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances to recognize outstanding digital initiatives by Panchayati Raj Institutions in service delivery. The report strengthens the assessment framework for these awards for 2025-2026.
Q7: When will these changes be implemented?
A: While the report was completed by August 2025 and is for the year 2026, the implementation will be a phased process by States and UTs. Gram Panchayats and state governments are expected to institutionalize the delivery of these enhanced services and align with the new framework.
Q8: Who benefits from these changes?
A: Primarily, rural citizens will benefit from improved access to a wider range of essential services, enhanced transparency, faster delivery, and better grievance redressal mechanisms. Gram Panchayats will also benefit from a clearer framework for service delivery and recognition for their performance.