Listen to people, follow rules, ensure quality work: Gujarat CM to Panchayat representatives

Gandhinagar, Sep 1 (AHN) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday urged newly appointed panchayat representatives to listen carefully to people's concerns, understand the rules governing their work and ensure that development projects are durable and of good quality, saying "public trust depends on how effectively local representatives respond to people's needs".

Patel was speaking at a one-day ‘Panchayat Sanskaran Karyashala’ organised for newly appointed office-bearers of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly Sachivalaya in Gandhinagar.

Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary was also present at the workshop, which was attended by 188 panchayat office-bearers, including 70 women representatives.

Sharing his experience of public life since 1995, CM Patel said elected representatives should give citizens sufficient time and listen to their concerns instead of simply directing them to government officials.

"Representatives should understand the issue, acquaint themselves with the applicable rules and then discuss the matter with the concerned officer to find a solution," he said.

He also stressed that quality should not be compromised in development works such as roads, schools and panchayat buildings.

Durable and well-executed projects, he said, help strengthen people's confidence in both the government and their elected representatives.

Patel said, "There is no shortage of funds for development works from villages to the state level under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. With proper planning, an understanding of rules and a commitment to work, the government would provide the funds required for development."

The Chief Minister also asked panchayat representatives to ensure that welfare schemes reach people who genuinely need them.

Referring to schemes such as 'Nal Se Jal' and the "Awas Yojana”, he said essential public welfare work should continue irrespective of changes in elected representatives or political parties.

"Even when an inquiry is under way into an irregularity or error in a project or contract, basic facilities such as water and housing should not be halted," he said.

Patel said "pro-poor policies" of the Centre and state had helped more than 25 crore people move out of poverty and that the governments remained committed to providing food, education, healthcare and housing.

He added that "assistance was also available for people requiring support to purchase land for a house".

Speaker Shankar Chaudhary said elected representatives must continue learning after assuming office and undertake public welfare work within the framework of rules.

"Greater public awareness and understanding of rights and duties would further strengthen the Panchayati Raj system," he emphasised.

Chaudhary also called for a culture of constructive dialogue at district and taluka panchayat levels, similar to that in Parliament and state legislatures.

Better communication between citizens, government employees and administrative officers, the Speaker said, could help speed up development work.

"Government rules and circulars are intended to make services easier for citizens and ensure transparency, rather than delay development. Administrative hurdles should therefore be addressed through the proper channels and resolved," he said.

Rural Development Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya called for efforts to build a developed nation through prosperous villages. He said the government was working to accelerate rural development and strengthen local self-government institutions.

Bavaliya said Gram Panchayats earlier had limited funds for development works, while funds under various development schemes were now being directly credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries and panchayats.

"More than 45 lakh individual toilets had been constructed in Gujarat under the Swachh Bharat Mission, while more than 14,000 biogas plants had been established under the Gobardhan Scheme," he noted.

He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and VB-G-Ramji Yojana as initiatives aimed at strengthening basic amenities and employment opportunities in rural areas.

On women's economic empowerment, Bavaliya referred to Mission Mangalam and the Lakhpati Didi initiative.

"Women associated with self-help groups are being supported through zero-interest loans, Gram Haats to sell their products and opportunities to operate canteens at government offices and bus stands. Initiatives such as Drone Didi and skill-based training are also being used to connect women with modern technology and new livelihood opportunities," he said.

Participants are being guided on decentralised district planning, the 16th Finance Commission and rural development schemes during the workshop.

Technical sessions cover Panchayati Raj, legal provisions, district planning, financial management and government welfare schemes.