Networking has been recognised as a powerful tool by business magnates and professionals.
But a Sarpanch from Pamur, a remote village in Prakasam district , has realised the importance of staying better connected with the residents and making the functioning of the local self- government vibrant.
D.V. Manohar, recipient of the Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (PSP) for best Gram Panchayat instituted by the Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj this year, collected the mobile phone numbers of each and every household with a view to sending invites for gram sabhas held at periodic intervals.
Then he improvised it to send information about a host of services offered by not only the gram panchayat, but also various State government departments through short messaging service (SMS), he says on his return to the village after receiving the award from Union Minister for Panchayat Raj Chaudhary Birender Singh.
Realising the power of networking, the village head also collected the blood group details of the villagers and linked donors and receivers.
He himself took the lead in arranging for blood donation in case of medical emergency to save precious lives.
Separate boxes for receiving complaints
Mr. Manohar, a close follower TDP MLA from Kanigiri Kadiri Babu Rao, introduced separate boxes for taking various types of complaints from the public and sent them to relevant departments.
“I made it a point to work for resolution of grievances cutting across government departments with proper follow up, saving time and money for the public,” he said, adding though there was some initial resistance from officials, they focussed on resolution of the grievances.
The Sarpanch did not lose heart when problems persisted, or when other village heads doubted the efficacy of his initiatives, said a youth in the village P. Raghuram, impressed with the initiatives, which include laying of pipelines to NGO Colony and Yarrachelu.
Using his persuasive skills, Mr. Manohar removed encroachment close to drains
“'Now I will concentrate on digging at least 2,000 water harvesting pits in the village to find a permanent solution to the drinking water problem in the fluoride-affected village,” the Sarpanch adds with a sense of confidence.
