ICSSR Awards Research Project on Digital Governance in Rural Punjab to Punjabi University Scholars
The project has been allotted to Dr. Rajbans Singh Gill & Dr. Ranjit Kaur
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala, February 28, 2026:
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has awarded a research project titled “Digital Governance and Administrative Efficiency in Rural Punjab: A Study of Suvidha Kendras in Barnala” for the academic session 2025–26.
The project has been allotted to Dr. Rajbans Singh Gill, Professor, Department of Public Administration, Punjabi University, who will serve as the Project Director, and Dr. Ranjit Kaur, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, as the Co-Project Director. Dr. Gill is presently serving as Dean, Alumni Relations, and Director, Centre for Public Policy and Governance.
The study will examine key challenges in the adoption of digital services at the Panchayat level and explore measures to enhance administrative efficiency and public service delivery in rural areas. With a focus on bridging the digital divide, the research will evaluate the implementation of e-governance initiatives, particularly services related to land records, certificates, and citizen grievance redressal through Suvidha Kendras in Barnala district.
Dr. Rajbans Singh Gill stated that the project aims to generate actionable, evidence-based recommendations to make administrative processes more transparent, accountable, and accessible, while tailoring technology-driven governance solutions to the specific needs of rural Punjab.