Gram Manchitra and mActionSoft

• 11 Dec 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj introduced "Gram Manchitra," a Geographic Information System (GIS) app.

• Additionally, the Ministry launched "mActionSoft," a mobile-based solution for geo-tagging project assets.

What is Gram Manchitra and mActionSoft?

• Gram Manchitra:
  • About: The primary goal of Gram Manchitra is to encourage spatial planning initiatives by Gram Panchayats, leveraging the capabilities of geo-spatial technology.
    • The app supports the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by aiding decision-making.
  • Features:
    • Unified GeoSpatial Platform: Gram Manchitra provides a single and unified platform, facilitating the visualisation of developmental projects and activities at the Gram Panchayat level.
    • Sector-Wise Planning: It enables Gram Panchayats to plan and execute developmental works across different sectors, fostering a holistic approach to rural development.
    • Development Plan Tools: Tools include project site identification, asset tracking, cost estimation, and project impact assessment.
• mActionSoft:
  • About: mActionSoft is a mobile-based solution, plays a crucial role in capturing geo-tagged photos with GPS coordinates for works with asset outputs.
    • Assets undergo geo-tagging at three stages: before the commencement of work, during the work, and upon completion.
    • This establishes a comprehensive repository of information on various works related to natural resource management, water harvesting, sanitation, agriculture, and more.
  • Features:
    • Geo-Tagging: Panchayats geotag assets created under finance commission funds with photographs, ensuring transparency and accountability.
      • The assets geo-tagged using mActionSoft seamlessly integrate with Gram Manchitra, enriching the visualisation of developmental works in Gram Panchayats.

• Geographic Information System: It is a technology that captures, manages, analyses, and presents geographical or spatial data.
  • It allows users to visualise, interpret, and understand data by linking it to locations on the Earth's surface.
  • GIS combines various layers of information such as maps, satellite imagery, and data tables to create interactive maps and models.
  • It is used in diverse fields like urban planning, environmental analysis, natural resource management, emergency response, and more, aiding in decision-making and problem-solving related to spatial information.
• Geotagging: It is the process of adding geographical identification to various media such as photos, videos, websites, or other documents.
  • It involves attaching metadata, usually GPS coordinates to these files, providing specific location information about where the media was created or captured.
  • This enables users to pinpoint the exact geographic location associated with the content, facilitating organization, search, and mapping of data based on its location.

What are the Other Related Government Initiatives?

• SVAMITVA Scheme
• e-Gram Swaraj e-Financial Management System

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q.1 In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news? (2010)

(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India

(b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II

(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India

(d) A space telescope developed by India

Ans: C

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Mains

Q.1 Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016)