Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel has urged the elected representatives of Panchayats at all levels to select at least one village of their choice and development it as Model Village using available resources and convergence of various schemes. He urged them to start developing a village of their vision.
Patel was addressing the concluding session of the workshop organized by Panchayat and Rural Development Department and German organization GIZ on Self-reliant Panchayat – Prosperous Madhya Pradesh here today.
Patel said that the Panchayats, which are adjacent to the cities have their own issues. They acquire semi-urban status. There are 1200 such panchayats at present. Discussions will also be held soon with their presidents, vice-presidents, members and officials. Similarly, the situation of the Panchayats, which are PESA panchayats and those near forest protected areas are different from the normal Panchayats. Their issues will also be discussed.
Patel said that two community halls will be built in panchayats having a population of over 5000. He urged the Panchayat representatives to start the process of selecting a suitable construction site. He said that representatives of Zila Panchayats can play advisory role in the meetings of subordinate Panchayats but should not interfere in their decision making process.
The Panchayat Minister said that all Panchayat representatives should update themselves about rules of the meetings. This will help avoid conflicts. He said that the development activities being carried out in the Panchayats should be continuously monitored so that corrections can be made timely.
Patel said that Panchayat representatives are socially responsible persons and they should fulfill their responsibilities diligently. He said that the meetings of the general bodies of Panchayats are like cabinet meetings. Take this very seriously. Where meetings have not been held, ensure that they are held at regular intervals. This is a collective responsibility.
Patel said that the funds available in Panchayats will be spent only with the consent of the elected Panchayat representatives. He called upon the Panchayat officials to ensure that the utilization certificates of the development works done in their respective Panchayats are submitted properly. Always work with an intention of improving systems.
He said that the suggestions given in the workshop will be considered and appropriate decisions will be taken. He said that it is imperative to adhere to financial disciplinary norms. Madhya Pradesh earned fame at the national level in the implementation of many central schemes due to the promptness of Panchayats, he added.
