The villagers of Bhenta, Feng and Chai of Joshimath block of Chamoli district and Bilkhet of Kaljikhal block of Pauri district have set up an example of community mobilisation for various developmental activities in the village. These remote villages were felicitated by Union Minister Birender Singh on Panchayati Raj Day on April 24 in New Delhi.
The award under special category was given for quality of the works undertaken by these village Panchayats and their maintenance. The award carries a letter of appreciation and Rs8 lakh. The pradhan of Bhenta village panchayat, laxman Singh Negi, told The Pioneer that the money received under the award would be spent on developmental activities in the village.
“We have constituted six committees that would plan and execute all the developmental works of the village panchayat, this is being done to ensure maximum participation of villagers in the projects of Panchayat”, he claimed. Negi said, “A patch of forest developed by the villagers in 35 hectares of land bears testimony of their efforts.”
He said the apart from oak, plants like deodar, surai and fig are planted by the panchayat in this patch of land. The fodder from this forest is being used by the villagers and Panchayat has also made a profit of Rs8000 this year by sale of fodder. Negi said the panchayat is undertaking a fodder development programme, protection wall construction and connecting road project under MNREGA and all these activities have reduced migration from the village. Bhenta village panchayat is constructing a multi-purpose community centre in the village and a library in primary school.