The state government will reward gram panchayats that undertake exemplary work in their respective areas, Sports Minister Yadvinder Goma said while administering the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India and dedication to duty to newly elected pradhans and up-pradhans of 242 panchayats here recently.
Goma said the government was committed to strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions. He noted that the allocation for the construction of panchayat buildings had been increased to Rs 1.14 crore. Over the last three years, Rs 113 crore were spent on the construction and repair of panchayat buildings across the state.
The minister also announced that the prize money for unanimously elected panchayats had been enhanced to Rs 25 lakh per panchayat. He said 137 panchayats in the state were elected unopposed in the recent elections.
Highlighting the government’s focus on recognising grassroots leadership, Goma said panchayat representatives delivering outstanding work would be rewarded. He added that Rs 3,744 crore would be released to Panchayati Raj Institutions under the 16th Finance Commission, of which panchayats in the district would receive more than Rs 182 crore.
He stressed the need for the optimal utilisation of funds and other available resources. Urging representatives to prioritise increasing local revenue generation, he said attention should also be given to key issues such as drinking water, sanitation, drug abuse prevention, environmental conservation, healthcare and self-employment.
The minister further emphasised the extensive use of digital technology in the functioning of panchayats to improve efficiency and transparency.
Among those present on the occasion were MLAs Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Ranjit Singh and Ashish Sharma; HP Marketing Board Chairman Kuldeep Singh Pathania; former MLA Manjit Dogra; Chief Minister’s Political Adviser Sunil Sharma Bittu; HP Nasha Nivaran Board Coordinator Naresh Thakur; APMC Chairman Ajay Sharma; Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore and Superintendent of Police Balbir Thakur.
