Panchayats, Rural Development, Social Justice and Cooperatives Minister Gopal Bhargava has stressed the need for united efforts for the welfare of deprived sections. He said that voluntary organisations should play pivotal role in helping deprived and needy persons to get benefits of various welfare schemes and secure their rights.
Bhargava inaugurated two-day Jan-Utsav held by PACS (Poorest Areas Civil Society) and 15 other affiliated voluntary organisations to promote social leadership here today. PACS is an international forum constituted on the initiative of British Government’s Department of International Development (DFID). Through it, over 4000 voluntary organisations are making joint efforts to help communities get their rights. Bhargava inaugurated the event by lighting a lamp. President of ‘Sewa’ Madhya Pradesh Manorama Joshi, PACS Programme Head Abhinav Kumar and office-bearers of several voluntary organisations were also present on the occasion. All were greeted with bouquets.
Addressing presidents of over 2000 rural organisations from 17 districts, Rural Development Minister Bhargava asked them to spearhead society unitedly to help deprived sections avail their due rights. Bhargava said that development is necessary for state’s progress, but it should be kept in view that water, forests and land rights of people are not affected by it.
Bhargava appreciated organised efforts being made by PACS for struggle against oppression and violence. Head of ‘Samavesh’ organisation Ram Narayan Syag suggested for efficient and transparent social audit. Bhargava said that to ensure this, video-graphy of Gram Sabha meetings should be undertaken.
Jan-Utsav’s Coordinator and Ekta Parishad’s national Executive President Ran Singh Parmar informed that responsibility of development of 100 highly backward and poor districts and empowerment of their residents has been entrusted to PACS. These include 17 districts of Madhya Pradesh. Active efforts are being made with the cooperation of affiliated organisations to enlighten people and help them get forest right pattas, change rural scenario through employment-oriented works under MNREGA and better healthcare facilities in remote rural areas. On the occasion, Minister Bhargava also inaugurated an exhibition put up by various voluntary organisations. He went round a number of stalls and witnessed the exhibits. PACS State Manager Mihir Mohanty, Shikha Joshi of ‘Sewa’, Asif Shaikh of ‘Jan-Sahas’ and heads of other social organisations were present on the occasion.