29th Good Governance Webinar Showcases Award-Winning State Innovations

In a continuous push to foster excellence in public administration and promote the nationwide replication of innovative governance models, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) conducted the 29th edition of the National Good Governance Webinar Series, in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s directive to institutionalize knowledge-sharing platforms among administrators across India.

The webinar, held virtually on July 30, 2025, drew participation from over 750 locations across the country, with more than 1,000 officials including District Collectors, officers from line departments, State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs), and Central Training Institutes (CTIs).

A Platform Rooted in the PM's Vision for Replication and Reform

The National Good Governance Webinars are a flagship initiative under the broader objective of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, aimed at not just recognizing administrative innovations but actively disseminating success stories to encourage replication in other districts and states.

As per the Prime Minister's instructions, DARPG has conducted 29 such webinars since April 2022, convening on a monthly basis. These webinars allow past award winners to share operational insights, lessons learned, and the impact of their innovations—offering a peer-to-peer learning environment for officers across the governance hierarchy.

Highlights from the 29th Webinar

The 29th National Good Governance Webinar was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG, and attended by the Additional Secretary and senior officers of the Department. The session featured two standout award-winning initiatives from the 2024 cycle under the theme ‘Innovation – State’, each offering a replicable model of efficiency, transparency, and impact.

1. Uttarakhand Government Assets Management System (UK-GAMS)

Presented by: Ms. Nitika Khandelwal, District Magistrate, Tehri Garhwal

UK-GAMS is a comprehensive digital platform designed to track, manage, and optimize public assets across Uttarakhand. The initiative centralizes information about government buildings, land parcels, and other immovable assets, addressing long-standing issues such as:

• Asset duplication and encroachment

• Underutilization and poor maintenance

• Lack of real-time data for planning and decision-making

By integrating GIS mapping, mobile-based field surveys, and real-time dashboards, UK-GAMS has enhanced transparency, reduced administrative delays, and improved inter-departmental coordination. The model is being considered for replication in other hilly states with similar terrain and infrastructure challenges.

2. Shiksha Setu, Assam

Presented by: Dr. Om Prakash, Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha, Government of Assam

Shiksha Setu is a digital and community-based intervention aimed at bridging the learning gap in government schools, particularly in remote and tribal areas of Assam. The initiative emphasizes:

• Real-time student performance tracking

• Personalized remedial learning plans

• Integration of mobile classrooms and e-content

• Community-led school monitoring

Shiksha Setu has significantly improved enrolment, retention, and learning outcomes across key education indicators. Dr. Om Prakash shared compelling impact data and implementation strategies that demonstrate how the model can be adapted to states with diverse linguistic and geographic challenges.

Driving Replication and Sustainability

Each webinar not only showcases award-winning projects but also monitors their post-award journey, focusing on:

• Institutional sustainability of the initiative

• Geographical expansion or replication in other administrative units

• Adaptation to evolving needs and feedback from stakeholders

Officials from participating states and districts are encouraged to explore cross-adoption opportunities, with DARPG facilitating the transfer of implementation templates, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical assistance wherever required.

A National Knowledge Network in the Making

With the Good Governance Webinar Series now completing its 29th edition, DARPG is steadily building a digital knowledge network of best practices in Indian public administration. From rural electrification to digital governance, healthcare delivery, and now education and asset management, the webinars reflect the rich diversity of India's governance landscape.

As Secretary V. Srinivas noted in his closing remarks:

“The real strength of governance lies in its ability to listen, learn, and adapt. These webinars are not just celebrations of success—they are platforms of learning, collaboration, and shared national purpose.”

Looking Ahead

DARPG has affirmed its commitment to continue hosting these webinars monthly, aligning with the broader objective of building a responsive, people-centric, and technology-driven administration. Upcoming sessions are expected to focus on climate resilience, urban governance, and AI-enabled public services.