Speaking at a Felicitation Event of the Heads of Gram Panchayats on the eve of the Republic Day, in New Delhi, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said that the Panchayat Leaders are the driving force behind rural transformation, responsible for seamlessly implementing flagship government schemes and fostering the spirit of participatory governance in India. He highlighted that these grassroot leaders have been pivotal in saturating 10 flagship schemes that now benefit residents in rural areas nationwide, across all sections of the society, ensuring improved “Ease of Living” through tangible outcomes in their respective gram panchayats. The Union Minister expressed pride in the presence of over 575 Panchayat representatives and their spouses as Special Guests at the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, emphasizing that their participation symbolizes their journey from Karmakshetra to Kartavya Path. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh also commended the significant leadership of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, with 132 women pradhans being among the Special Guests, showcasing the transformative role they play in rural governance. Stressing upon the importance of financial empowerment, he highlighted that there has been a Six-Fold increase in financial allocations for Panchayats over the past decade [Fund allocation has increased from Rs.60,972 crores (2005–2014) to Rs.3,94,140 crores (2014–2024)] which has bolstered their capacity to drive development while preserving local heritage and traditions. “A prosperous rural India is the foundation of a developed nation. Through SVAMITVA Scheme, disputes over property in villages have reduced, paving the way for peace, harmony and economic prosperity” said, the Union Minister while urging all, to encourage women to become “Atmanirbhar”.
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, also highlighted the remarkable growth in funds allocated to Panchayats for rural infrastructure development, with disbursements increasing six-fold in the last decade. He emphasized that per capita annual allocation has risen from Rs.176 under 13th Finance Commission to Rs.674 under the 15th Finance Commission. Prof. Baghel also underlined the significance of grassroots governance, acknowledging Panchayat representatives as the backbone of India’s democracy, driving inclusive and sustainable development. He pointed out the transformative impact of the 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, which has empowered women to lead rural development and set a global benchmark for gender-inclusive governance. Prof. Baghel encouraged Panchayats to utilize Panchayat Bhawans to provide essential services to the people such as pensions and benefits under various government schemes. He also stressed upon the importance of weather forecasting at the Gram Panchayat level and the use of ‘Meri Panchayat’ App. Addressing the Gram Pradhans especially women Pradhans, he urged them to aim for leadership roles beyond the Gram Panchayat, drawing attention to the historic Women’s Reservation Bill as a step towards greater empowerment in governance.
Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, highlighted the collective resolve towards rural empowerment through technological innovations like eGramSwaraj, Bhashini, Meri Panchayat App, Panchayat NIRNAY, Gram Manchitra etc. He said that Panchayats are becoming smarter and more transparent, leading India towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He also emphasized the need for Gram Panchayats to augment their Own Source Revenue (OSR) to sustain long-term development goals.
The event also entailed the release of the 15th e-edition of the “Gramoday Sankalp” Patrika, honouring exemplary Panchayats and awarding winners of the Constitution Day Quiz Contest.On this occasion, senior officers of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, including Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary; Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary; Shri (Dr.) Bijaya Kumar Behera, Economic Adviser; and Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, were also present.
Source (PIB)