In a meeting at Project Bhawan, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Deepika Singh Pandey assessed the progress and implementation of the rural and Panchayati Raj department’s work plans. The minister underscored the importance of a robust Panchayat-level foundation for rural development. She advocated for enhancing the strength of Panchayats, emphasizing the need for more active and accountable Panchayat secretariats. The minister directed officials to devise a system where villagers’ issues are resolved locally, eliminating the need for them to travel to the district headquarters. She also reviewed the progress, execution pace, transparency, and quality of the department’s initiatives, ensuring that all schemes effectively and transparently reach the intended beneficiaries on schedule. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to solidifying the Panchayati system and bringing village governance to the grassroots level, ensuring citizen participation. The meeting included discussions on ongoing schemes, review reports, and future plans. The minister urged officials to regularly conduct field visits and ensure timely solutions to any arising issues. Departmental Secretary Manoj Kumar and Director B. Rajeshwari, alongside several senior officials, were present.
