Port Blair, Apr 13: The Directorate of RD, PRIs & ULBs, A&N Administration organized an induction-cum-interaction programme for the newly elected representatives of the Gram Panchayats on 13thApril 2022 in which the Gram Pradhan and Panchayat Secretaries of almost all the Gram Panchayat of Andaman and Nicobar Islands participated in the programme.
The programme was inaugurated by Mr. SuneelAnchipaka, IAS, Secretary (RD) and in his opening remarks congratulated the newly elected Pradhans and requested all of them to work effectively for the rural population residing in the Gram Panchayat as it is the key focal point wherein all the grass root developmental activities are done.
He requested them to have a localized vision for the development of Gram Panchayat. He also requested Pradhans and the Panchayat Secretaries to work in coordination for the effective implementation of flagship schemes and utilization of public funds within the legal framework of law in a transparent and accountable manner.
He further emphasized working towards achieving financial self-sustainability of the Panchayats which is the vision of the A&N Administration.
The Secretary (RD) also informed that the Chief Secretary of A&N Administration has given direction to start a competition among the Gram Panchayats on basis of cleanliness in the Gram Panchayat, source segregation, waste collection, plantation of vegetable and fruit-bearing trees, rainwater harvesting activities and rural tourism promotion in the Gram Panchayats. He urged the Gram Panchayats to work in the said lines to prove their respective Gram Panchayats as the best.
The Pradhans and Panchayat Secretaries were made aware of the administrative and financial rules and responsibilities for the effective working of the Gram Panchayat.
Mrs. Kakali Ghosh, Panchayat Secretary explained about the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) to be prepared for the implementation of various schemes of RD as well as Line Department for the development of the Gram Panchayat and its residents. The Pradhans were requested to make a proper selection of works and to take up them as per the priority of the public.
Mr. Edmond Fernandez, Panchayat Secretary explained the technicalities and responsibilities of the Gram Panchayat in the issuance of Building Permission for the construction of buildings in the Gram Panchayats.
Subsequently, Mrs. Gurjeet Kaur, Extension Officer acquainted the participants with the role and responsibilities of the Gram Panchayat in the implementation of various Rural Development schemes of GOI such as DAY-NRLM, PMAY-G, SBM-G, MGNREGA, RURBAN, SAGY, PMGSY, RGSA.
Mr. Anil Koshi, Sr. Accounts Officer explained the financial powers and obligations of the Gram Panchayats and requested the Pradhans and Panchayat Secretaries for optimal utilization of funds allocated to the Panchayats.
He stressed on use of GeM for procurements under the Gram Panchayats and timely submission of Utilization Certificates. Mr. P.S. Satish, Sr. Accounts Officer explained the use of PFMS for utilization of funds released to the Gram Panchayats and requested to get onboard of the PMFS platform.
At the end of the session, Mr. Vinay Kumar Jindal, Director (RD/Panchayat) focused on the key priority areas of Gram Panchayat such as the promotion of Rural Tourism, Solid and Liquid Waste Management, taking up of revenue generation activities, preparation of GPDP, etc., requested the newly elected Pradhans to work in consonance with the rules and regulation and coordinate with the UT Administration for effective development of the rural areas of the UT.
He informed the participants that the department will be organizing offline training at Port Blair for all the newly elected public representatives to have one on one interaction and learn about the smooth functioning of the Gram Panchayats.
