Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the dedication of elected representatives and officials in serving the nation through Panchayati Raj and Rural Local Bodies. He highlighted the crucial role of women and youth in enhancing the effectiveness of panchayats for local governance. Empowered panchayats, according to PM Modi, are essential for promoting transparency, public participation, and overall development.
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S.P. Singh Baghel underscored the significance of empowering Panchayats in realizing the vision of a developed India focusing on village and community growth. He lauded the impact of capacity-building programs on leadership and decision-making skills, particularly among female representatives. Baghel also emphasized the role of transparent governance and direct benefit transfers in improving grassroots service delivery.
Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj highlighted the financial empowerment of Rural Local Bodies as per the recommendations of the Sixteenth Finance Commission. He explained the substantial increase in grants compared to the previous commission, emphasizing the importance of balancing resource allocation for improved revenue mobilization and governance quality. Bharadwaj urged Panchayats to enhance their revenue sources to qualify for Performance Grants linked to Own Sources of Revenue mobilization.
