Google launched a new program in India called Google Gram Panchayat Puraskar. Google Gram Panchayat Puraskar will celebrate innovative panchayats and encourage more innovation in local governance throughout the country. We’ll reward the top five panchayats in two states, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, with a cash prize of Rs.5 lakhs (approximately $10,000 USD) which they can use to do more good in their communities.
The prize will be awarded in one of six areas: education, health and nutrition, water supply, rural infrastructure, rural electrification, and resource mobilization. The winningpayanchat must include a wide variety of social and income groups, share information with villagers, respond to citizen feedback, and track the quality of programs.
Who is eligible?
All legally recognized gram panchayats in the states of Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh, India are eligible to apply.
When to apply
The contest will be open for applications from December 12, 2008 through January 25, 2009. Entries must be postmarked on or before January 25, 2009 to be considered.
How to apply
To enter the contest, visit the contest website located at www.google.org/ggpp.html and pick-up an application at your district or block panchayat office in Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh during the Contest Period.
Nice initiative. But how many gram panchayats are savvy enough to register?
a great attempt by Google for Indian villages.
no news about the results,total black out even after the last date for submission.whats happening?