In a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and the Indian civil service, Vishakha Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner of Kurung Kumey district, has been conferred with the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024. She received the award for her pioneering initiative titled “Project DIGIKAKSHA – A Vision for a Vibrant Village on the Indo-China Border”, under the “Innovation – District” category.
The national-level award honours civil servants who have introduced innovative practices and achieved efficient and effective governance at the grassroots level. Ms. Yadav’s visionary project stood out for its unique approach to bridging the development gap in India’s far-flung border villages, many of which face geographical isolation and limited access to modern facilities.
Project DIGIKAKSHA was conceptualised and implemented to transform remote border settlements into digitally connected and self-reliant communities. The project integrates technology with governance, bringing essential services such as online education, telemedicine, e-governance, and digital literacy to villagers who often live under challenging conditions. Beyond mere digital infrastructure, the initiative emphasizes empowerment—fostering a sense of inclusion, awareness, and participation among local populations.
The recognition came through a formal communication from V. Srinivas, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), who praised Ms. Yadav for her “valuable contribution with commitment and dedicated efforts.” The letter, also sent to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, will now be included in her official service records—acknowledging her as a changemaker within the civil service.
Ms. Yadav’s success story is particularly significant given the region’s strategic importance. Located near the Indo-China border, Kurung Kumey has long been viewed as a remote and underdeveloped district. Her initiative not only addressed critical developmental gaps but also reinforced national integration by ensuring that citizens in these areas are brought into the digital fold.
