Union Secretary, Panchayati Raj (PR), Rahul Bhatnagar, who was on a two day visit to the Valley to get the feedback regarding the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions and the Self Help Groups under NRLM visited various Panchayats of Block Khansahib and block Parnewa in district Budgam on Thursday, an official spokesman said.
He said the visiting dignitary was accompanied by SheetalNanda, Secretary Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Qazi Sarwar, Director Rural Development DepartmentKashmir, S.E REW Kashmir, ACD Budgam and SDM Khansahib.
Bhatnagar had an interactive session with the newly electedsarpanchs and panchs of these Panchayats who appreciated the role of theDepartment in empowering them at gross root level in implementation of variousCentrally Sponsored Schemes viz 14th F.C and MG NREGA. He gave a keen hearingtowards the various issues projected by the PRIs and assured that theirsuggestions will be looked into with positive approach.
The Union Secretary also held an interaction with the SelfHelp Groups under Scheme UMEED and appreciated the efforts of the Departmentwhich has resulted in economic empowerment of the Rural Women. Thereafter healso inspected some works in these areas.
The Union Secretary held meetings with the officers /officials of Rural Development Department and newly elected Sarpanchs / Panchs.
During the meeting discussions were held regarding theempowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions and suggestions were received fromthe officers / officials / PRIs to strengthen these PRIs.
The Union Secretary, assured consideration of theirsuggestions, besides issued the directions to give the emphasis on training ofthe youths in various fields under Centrally Sponsored Schemes of theDepartment, so that the youths may be given opportunities to work and earnlivelihood under ongoing schemes. He also stressed for early completion of theBSNL connectivity in various Panchayat Institutions and directed the executingagencies (BSNL) for expediting the same as early as possible.