Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday directed officials to provide comprehensive training to newly elected village heads, area panchayat members, and district panchayat members on subjects including modern technology, financial management, and governance. He stressed that empowering grassroots representatives is essential to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
Emphasis on Village-Centric Development
During a review meeting with the Panchayati Raj Department at the Secretariat, CM Dhami underlined the importance of village development as a critical factor for the progress of both the state and the nation. He asserted that integrated and coordinated efforts are necessary for sustainable rural transformation.
Integrated Panchayat Bhawans to be Constructed
The Chief Minister instructed the construction of Integrated Panchayat Bhawans across Uttarakhand. These buildings will house key officials such as the Gram Panchayat Development Officer, Patwari, and ASHA workers in a single location. A joint duty roster will be implemented to ensure that all essential services are accessible under one roof, making it more convenient for villagers.
Better Budget Planning and Urban Transition Assessment
Mr. Dhami stressed the need to enhance budget planning at all levels—Gram Panchayats, Area Panchayats, and District Panchayats—to ensure structured development. He also asked the Panchayati Raj Department to conduct a study estimating how much of the rural landscape could transition into urban areas over the next 15 years, in order to plan proactively for the state’s growth.
Celebrate Panchayat Foundation Days as Festivals
The Chief Minister proposed that Gram Sabha foundation days be celebrated as festivals to strengthen community participation. He called for a fixed annual calendar that could integrate foundation days with local fairs, get-togethers, and the birth anniversaries of eminent personalities, creating a deeper connection between governance and culture.
Real-Time Monitoring and E-Governance
CM Dhami also called for real-time monitoring of development schemes at the Panchayat level. He instructed the promotion of e-governance, and said that the work of every panchayat must be audited and published on a public portal to ensure transparency and accountability.
Inclusive Development and Grievance Redressal
He emphasised the need for integrated and balanced development at both the area and district panchayat levels and said that no region or person should be left out of development schemes. Importantly, he directed that a time-bound framework for lodging and resolving complaints be set up at every panchayat level, ensuring that public opinion and participation remain central to the state’s development strategy.
