The Odisha Government on Friday announced that the post of Gramsevaks under the Panchayati Raj Department has been renamed as Panchayat Executive Officers.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, according to an official release.
Mr. Patnaik said that whenever any panchayat will be given financial assistance for any commendable work, the Panchayat Executive Officer concerned will be also rewarded suitably.
The State government was giving priority to the gram panchayats, and the Panchayat Executive Officers will play a key role in successful implementation of various welfare schemes, Mr. Patnaik said. The decision of the State government to redesignate the Gramsevaks as Panchayat Executive Officers has been taken to fulfill their demand that was pending since long.
The decision also comes at a time when the ruling Biju Janata Dal has started preparing itself for the next panchayat elections that was scheduled to be held in the State in 2017.