Bengaluru: The Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj (MoPR) has selected State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RD&PR) department for the e-Puraskar award for the year 2014-15.

The award was conferred after assessing top performing States in facilitating the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools for empowerment of panchayats.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H K Patil speaking to reporters on Tuesday said that last year too the department had won the first prize for ‘devolution of funds, functionaries and functions’, which carried a cash reward of Rs two crore. The ministry was yet to announce the cash award for this year, he said.

The MoPR?has been conferring e-Puraskars to bring in transparency, efficiency and accountability in the functioning of panchayats through the use of ICT.