Empowerment of Panchayats Fuels Democratic Growth: Haryana CM
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Synopsis
On April 24, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that villages are essential to culture and self-reliance in India. He highlighted the importance of empowering panchayats for democracy and urged collective efforts for village development, healthcare access, and a drug-free environment.
Key Takeaways
- Villages are foundational to Indian culture and self-reliance.
- Empowered panchayats are crucial for democratic success.
- Women represent 50% of panchayat leaders, promoting gender equality.
- Healthcare access and education are vital for village progress.
- Efforts are underway to establish drug-free villages.
Chandigarh, April 24 (NationPress) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated on Thursday that villages form the bedrock of our culture, traditions, and a self-sufficient India. He emphasized, a robust village leads to a robust nation. Empowerment of panchayats fosters thriving democracy.
“Hence, it is imperative for everyone to contribute to the growth and self-sufficiency of our villages. Villages are pivotal in the quest for a developed India. Once our villages flourish, the state will advance, enabling us to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat ahead of 2047,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister made these comments during the state-level Gram Utthan Samaroh commemorating National Panchayati Raj Day in Panchkula, near here.
Prior to the event, the Chief Minister and attendees observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Srinagar, on April 22.
During the gathering, Prime Minister Modi's address from Madhubani, Bihar, was broadcast live for representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions in attendance.
CM Saini stated, “Panchayati Raj Institutions serve as an essential link in democracy, propelling development forward. The constitutional recognition of the Panchayati Raj system aimed to empower villages and facilitate their growth through panchayats.”
He noted that 50 percent of the panchayat representatives at this program are women, symbolizing women empowerment, which will significantly enhance the development of our villages.
He added, “This samaroh is not merely an event but a commitment to the comprehensive development of villages.”
The Chief Minister asserted that every villager should have access to adequate healthcare services. He urged representatives to dedicate themselves to improving villages across various parameters, including education, healthcare, sanitation, women's empowerment, and overall socio-economic progress.
Furthermore, the CM encouraged panchayat representatives to vow for a drug-free community. He requested that every representative pledge to eradicate drug use in their respective villages.
“If any individual is discovered using drugs or engaging in drug trafficking, the matter should be reported to the government via the MANAS portal, ensuring the confidentiality of the informant,” he stated.
To achieve self-reliant villages, Saini mentioned that the government has connected every village to the Internet. Initiatives such as providing tap water to every home, implementing ‘Har Khet ko Pani’, ensuring 24-hour electricity under the ‘Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon’ scheme, and offering health services to every citizen under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana have been rolled out.
The Chief Minister also shared that some ‘sarpanches’ had expressed concerns regarding inadequate funds, and he promptly instructed departmental officers to allocate additional funds, referred to as 'gap funds,' to panchayats receiving less than Rs 20 lakh, ensuring each panchayat has at least Rs 21 lakh available.
As a result, the Chief Minister disclosed that Rs 583 crore was directly transferred to panchayat accounts last year.
