Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of Gujarat reassured that quality standards in public-interest projects at the village level will not be compromised. Speaking at the ‘Gram Shakti Training Programme’ inauguration, Patel highlighted the importance of accountability and workmanship in rural development efforts across the state. Over 260 sarpanches from various districts in North Gujarat participated in the event.
Villages were emphasized as the bedrock of the nation’s progress, with Patel stressing the need for transparent, quality, and responsible execution of rural projects. He underlined a zero-tolerance policy towards any compromise in the quality of public-interest works, stating that true national development hinges on reaching development to every individual in villages.
Patel referenced the recent Union Budget, lauding its rural development focus and duty-centric approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He urged sarpanches to ensure the inclusive delivery of government schemes to all eligible beneficiaries, emphasizing the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas.”
Encouraging planned utilization of grants with full targets, Patel called for systematic development planning, youth involvement in village progress, and leveraging technology for enhanced civic service delivery. He assured state government support, urging sarpanches to work fearlessly and diligently towards building developed villages for a prosperous Gujarat and India.
Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary highlighted the sarpanches’ role in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Gram Sachivalaya’ at the grassroots level. He stressed that development extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass dialogue and public engagement, advocating for improved communication between gram panchayats and Gram Sabhas to bolster democratic foundations.
Rural Housing Minister Rushikesh Patel empowered sarpanches to utilize a substantial portion of panchayat grants for village development planning. He mentioned the connectivity of all Gujarat villages through at least two roads under the Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the practical guidance provided by the training program on village administration.
Rural Development Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya highlighted the direct transfer of funds from central and state schemes to gram panchayat accounts, emphasizing the transformative potential of these funds for villages. He also mentioned increased support under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and sanitation facilities assistance through MGNREGA. Experts at the program briefed sarpanches on various aspects including the role of panchayats in parliamentary democracy and panchayat accounting rules.
