A delegation from Bihar, led by Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Works Bhim Singh, interacted with elected representatives and officials of the district panchayat on Monday.
They tried to get a first-hand account of the strides the civic body had made in poverty alleviation and rural infrastructure development, sources said.
District panchayat president Ansajitha Ressal chaired the meeting. Vice president Rufus Daniel, heads of various standing committees, and representatives of various wards attended.
Plan fund use
District panchayat Secretary K. Chandrasekhar told The Hindu that the delegation was keen to learn about the modalities of Plan fund allocation and the responsibilities of elected representatives and officials in the administration of the panchayat.
The delegation appreciated the fact that 30 per cent of the State’s Budget was earmarked for local bodies, Mr. Chandrasekhar said adding that in Bihar it was only 20 per cent.
The team had a high opinion of the steps taken by the State in strengthening the Panchayati Raj system, he said.
For road development in Bihar, funds from the Centre, State, and various other agencies were pooled in a common fund and this helped in the timely implementation of schemes there, he said.
The delegation invited elected representatives and officials to Bihar to understand the functioning of the Panchayati Raj system there, Mr. Chandrasekhar said adding that the discussions were mutually beneficial.
