Rs. 100 cr. sanctioned for training gram panchayat members

Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan to go on stream

The State government will implement the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA) for strengthening gram panchayats and gram sabhas by providing training to members. A sum of Rs. 100 crore has been allocated for its implementation in this financial year.

With panchayats playing a key role in rural governance and socio-economic development, the RGPSA is aimed at providing training to gram panchayat members and officials of various departments at the gram panchayat level for the effective implementation of a 15-point programme of the government.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj H.K. Patil said that the State Cabinet has accepted the implementation of the Centrally-sponsored scheme across the State. Of the Rs. 100 crore, the State government would contribute Rs. 25 crore and the Union government will contribute the balance amount.

Under the programme, members of gram panchayats and gram sabhas would be provided with technical and administrative support. Steps would be taken to e-enable the members and strengthen infrastructure, promote devolution and improve the functioning of the members. One training and orientation centre would be set up in each district for training gram panchayat members, he said.

Mr. Patil said that the objectives of the RGPSA are to enhance capacities and effectiveness of gram panchayats and gram sabhas; enable democratic decision-making and ensure accountability in panchayats and promote people’s participation; strengthen the institutional structure for knowledge creation and capacity building of panchayats; promote devolution of powers and responsibilities to panchayats according to the spirit of the Constitution and PESA Act.

Resource personnel drawn from various institutions would train members in the implementation of the 15-point programme which includes setting up mini water supplying units, construction of toilets, roads, cattle-sheds, playgrounds, watersheds, computer centres, self-employment, he said.

Each gram panchayat has been directed to rejuvenate one tank in their jurisdiction. In all, 5,500 tanks would be rejuvenated this year.

Under the scheme, 20 per cent funds are linked to States’ performance on devolution and accountability. States prepare perspective and annual plans to access funds under the scheme.