Mandi (Kameshwar Sharma): Mandi Swears In 577 Newly Elected Panchayat Leaders Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Pradhans and Up-Pradhans of 577 Gram Panchayats in Mandi district. The district-level ceremony took place at Paddal Ground and attracted elected representatives from across the district.
The minister congratulated the Newly Elected Panchayat Leaders. He also encouraged them to serve people with honesty, transparency, and commitment. Moreover, he urged them to focus on rural development and public welfare.
Panchayats Strengthen Grassroots Democracy
During his address, Anirudh Singh described Gram Panchayats as the foundation of India’s democratic system. He said Panchayats play a crucial role in local governance and community development.
Furthermore, he praised former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for strengthening the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. According to him, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayats and empowered local self-governance institutions.
As a result, educated youth now participate actively in public service through Panchayats. Consequently, local governance has become more inclusive and effective.
Himachal to Receive ₹3,744 Crore for Panchayat Development
The minister announced that Himachal Pradesh will receive nearly ₹3,744 crore under the 16th Finance Commission over the next five years.
Additionally, the government will release approximately ₹481 crore during the current financial year. Mandi district alone will receive around ₹429.11 crore during this period. Out of this amount, authorities will release ₹68.89 crore this year.
Moreover, Panchayats will use 50 percent of the funds as tied grants. They will spend these funds on drinking water schemes and sanitation projects. Meanwhile, they will use the remaining amount for local development works.
Therefore, villages will gain better infrastructure and improved public services.
Government Increases Support for Panchayat Buildings
Anirudh Singh said the state government spent nearly ₹113 crore on Panchayat buildings during the last three years.
Earlier, Panchayats received ₹33 lakh for constructing Panchayat Ghars. However, the government has now increased this amount to ₹1.14 crore.
In addition, authorities are constructing Panchayat buildings under a common design. This step will help create modern and well-equipped institutions across the state.
The minister also requested Panchayat representatives to identify land for future development projects. Likewise, he encouraged them to secure necessary approvals for community infrastructure works.
Digital Governance Gets a Major Push
The government continues to promote digital governance in rural areas. Therefore, several online services are now available for Panchayats.
Anirudh Singh encouraged all elected representatives to use these digital platforms. Furthermore, the government has provided study material to help them understand their duties and responsibilities.
Training programs have also started for newly elected representatives. In addition, the government is developing a digital and online training system to improve administrative skills and service delivery.
As a result, Panchayat leaders will manage development projects more efficiently.
Incentive for Unopposed Panchayats Raised
The minister highlighted several reforms that aim to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions.
Most notably, the government increased the incentive for unopposed Panchayats from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh. Consequently, 137 Panchayats won elections unopposed this year.
He urged representatives to prepare development plans for their villages. At the same time, he asked them to prioritize drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, self-employment, environmental protection, and drug-free campaigns.
Moreover, they should ensure that eligible citizens receive the benefits of government welfare schemes.
First Panchayat Meeting Scheduled for June 27
The first official Gram Panchayat meeting will take place on June 27. Therefore, representatives should begin planning development initiatives immediately.
The minister also announced exposure visits for outstanding Panchayat representatives. Through these visits, they will learn successful governance models and innovative development practices.
Ultimately, these initiatives will strengthen rural governance and accelerate development across Himachal Pradesh.
Key Highlights of the Newly Elected Panchayat Leaders:
- Mandi swore in 577 newly elected Panchayat leaders.
- Anirudh Singh administered the oath at Paddal Ground.
- Himachal Pradesh will spend ₹3,744 crore on Panchayat development over five years.
- Mandi district is set to receive ₹429.11 crore under the 16th Finance Commission.
- Funding for Panchayat buildings has increased to ₹1.14 crore.
- The government is promoting Panchayat digitization and online training.
- Incentive grants for unopposed Panchayats have been increased to ₹25 lakh.
