Una, September 8:- The first phase of a capacity-building and basic training workshop for newly elected panchayat representatives in Una district began with the objective of providing them information about the Panchayati Raj system, development plans and effective implementation of development works. Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal attended the workshop held at the District Council Hall, Una, on Tuesday as the chief guest. Additional Deputy Commissioner Una Ishant Jaswal was also present on the occasion.
A total of 143 newly elected panchayat representatives from 19 gram panchayats of Development Block Amb participated in the workshop. These included 19 pradhans, 19 up-pradhans and 105 ward members. It may be noted that training programmes for newly elected representatives of gram panchayats of all development blocks in the district will be organised in phases.
Prepare Five-Year Action Plan to Accelerate Development: DC
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal said that panchayats are the strong foundation of democracy and play an important role not only in rural development but also in nation and state building. He called upon the newly elected panchayat representatives to prepare a clear development action plan for their five-year tenure and ensure that schemes and development works are implemented on the ground within the stipulated timelines based on priorities.
He said that development works should be prioritised in panchayats keeping local needs in mind. At the same time, effective steps should be taken to identify and develop local revenue-generation possibilities so that panchayats become economically empowered and development works can be accelerated.
Emphasis on Ensuring Youth Participation in Gram Sabhas
The Deputy Commissioner said that gram sabhas are an important platform of the Panchayati Raj system. Therefore, maximum participation of panchayat residents should be ensured in gram sabhas. He particularly emphasised connecting the younger generation of the panchayat with gram sabhas and the development process.
He said that the ideas, energy and vision of youth should be linked with the direction of panchayat development so that plans can be prepared according to the future needs of villages.
The Deputy Commissioner also asked panchayat representatives to ensure that the benefits of various welfare schemes of the state and central governments reach the person standing at the last rung of society. Identifying eligible people and connecting them with the schemes is an important responsibility of panchayat representatives.
Jatin Lal urged the public representatives present to take full advantage of the workshop. He said that through the training, panchayat representatives are being provided essential information related to the Panchayati Raj system, development plans, financial management, effective implementation of government schemes and sustainable development of panchayats, so that they can effectively discharge their responsibilities and give new momentum to rural development.
Set Time-Bound Targets for Development Works: ADC
Additional Deputy Commissioner Una Ishant Jaswal said that panchayat representatives should set clear and time-bound targets for small and major development works during their tenure. Each work should be prioritised and efforts should be made to complete it within the stipulated period.
He stressed ensuring the proper utilisation of grants and government funds provided to panchayats in accordance with rules and prescribed standards. He said panchayat representatives should have complete knowledge of the rules and procedures prescribed by the Panchayati Raj Department so that development works can be implemented in a transparent and effective manner.
He said that if panchayat representatives face any problem related to the implementation of works or require guidance, they can contact the office of the District Panchayat Officer.
Target to Make Villages Self-Reliant and Empowered by 2030
District Panchayat Officer Una Shravan Kumar said that the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, has set nine major goals for the sustainable development and localisation of panchayats. The objective is to make the villages of the country self-reliant, prosperous, healthy and empowered by 2030.
These goals include a poverty-free and enhanced livelihood village, healthy village, child-friendly village, water-sufficient village, clean and green village, self-sufficient infrastructure village, socially secure village, village with good governance and women-friendly village.
He said active and effective participation of panchayat representatives is essential to achieve these goals. Better implementation of schemes at the panchayat level can give a new direction to the overall development of rural areas.
Training Programmes to Be Held Batch-Wise from September 2026 to January 2027
The District Panchayat Officer said that the Panchayati Raj Department will provide batch-wise training to the newly elected office-bearers of all gram panchayats of Una district from September 2026 to January 2027. The training will be held at the District Council Hall, Una. Every participant attending the training will be required to bring an Aadhaar card and a mobile phone linked with Aadhaar.
District Panchayat Officer Una Shravan Kumar, BDO Ompal Dogra and newly elected panchayat representatives of the concerned gram panchayats were present.