Mysuru: An artificial intelligence-powered performance management system developed by Mysuru Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer S. Ukesh Kumar has transformed the monitoring of rural development projects, helping the district emerge as Karnataka’s top-performing zilla panchayat within just three months of its implementation.
Named Shreshthate, meaning excellence, the AI-based platform enables officials to monitor government programmes in real time, identify delays and improve service delivery across the district. The initiative has significantly strengthened transparency, accountability and administrative efficiency in rural governance.
Techie-turned-IAS officer develops AI platform
Before joining the Indian Administrative Service, S. Ukesh Kumar worked as an engineer with a leading technology company.
Drawing on his technical expertise, he developed the Shreshthate application himself in just 15 days, investing around Rs 40,000 from his own salary to build the platform.
The application underwent a two-month pilot project before being officially rolled out across Mysuru district following its successful performance.
Mysuru climbs to top rank
Within three months of the platform’s implementation, Mysuru improved dramatically in the state’s zilla panchayat performance rankings.
The district moved from 15th position to become Karnataka’s best-performing district in zilla panchayat administration across more than 15 performance parameters.
Officials attribute the improvement to the platform’s ability to provide timely and accurate information, enabling quicker administrative intervention wherever required.
Real-time monitoring of development schemes
The mobile-based platform collects real-time information from all 255 gram panchayats and nine taluk panchayats in Mysuru district.
It allows district officials to continuously monitor the progress of government programmes and development works without waiting for periodic reports.
The system tracks projects under several flagship schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, VB Gram, lake rejuvenation, agriculture, horticulture, education and social forestry.
In addition to development projects, the platform also monitors Sakala services, staff attendance, field inspections, salary payments, tax collection, revenue generation and grievance redressal.
Interactive dashboards improve accountability
One of the key features of Shreshthate is its interactive dashboard, which provides performance indicators for gram panchayats and taluk panchayats.
The dashboard enables officials to identify local bodies that are lagging behind in implementing government programmes, allowing immediate corrective measures.
At the same time, the system highlights high-performing gram panchayats and taluks, encouraging healthy competition among local bodies and motivating officials to improve their performance.
The AI-driven insights help administrators prioritise interventions based on real-time ground conditions rather than relying solely on conventional reports.
Excellence awards for top performers
Speaking about the initiative, S. Ukesh Kumar said the primary objective was to ensure that development works are completed without unnecessary delays by using accurate and real-time field data.
He said the district also recognises outstanding performers through awards.
According to Kumar, the top three taluks are honoured with the District Excellence Awards, while the top five gram panchayats receive the same recognition at the district level.
In addition, three gram panchayats in each taluk are presented with Taluka Level Performer Awards, encouraging better governance and efficient implementation of development programmes.
Strengthening rural governance
Officials said the AI-powered platform has improved decision-making by providing a clear picture of ongoing works and administrative performance across the district.
By combining technology with governance, the initiative has accelerated project execution, strengthened accountability and enhanced transparency in rural administration.
The success of Shreshthate demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be effectively integrated into public administration to improve governance and ensure faster delivery of government services at the grassroots level.