"We should work in coordination with each other for the development of rural areas of the state. I had started my career as Up-Pradhan of Gram Panchayat where several ideas were conceived for the welfare of needy section of the society. Everyone must have some dreams and conceptions in their mind for the betterment of the rural society. This is the high time to realize all these dreams by working at grass-root level as taught by the Mahatma Gandhi", said Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD and PR) Minister Shri Virender Kanwar while presiding over the state level review meeting and workshop organised by department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj at HIIPA.Minister said that Block Development Officers role was very crucial and important in rural development. He said authorities should try to utilize funds for the execution of schemes and programmes in time to avail the next release of funds from the Centre Government. He said that the Rs. 407 crore was expected to be released for the State by the Centre. He urged officers to prepare a master plan at the cluster level. He said that an observer should be authorized to monitor the progress of 100 days plan at every level. He also stressed on the training of officers to hone their skill and knowledge.
He said that watershed harvest management, livelihood mission would be given emphasis to empower the rural people. Employees and workers should be rewarded for excellent works. There was a need to reach to poorest of poor at last corner in the State. This meeting should be organized twice a year to expedite the development. Budget proposed by Chief Minister has major emphasis on the rural development and Panchayati Raj. Suggestions and views from any stakeholder to enhance the functioning of the department were welcome.Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Dr. R.N. Batta said that conference of engineering cadre of the department would be held soon. Work done under MGNREGA should be given impetus. A detailed plan should be prepared for the post harvesting facilities, disaster management, cyclone shelters, village haats and food grain & other storages.Shri Rakesh Kanwar Director Rural Development and Panchayati Raj presented vote of thanks. He also presented a power point presentation to brief about the various activities of the department in the state.
He said that people should voluntarily remove their names from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list when they are not falling in the eligible criteria so that only needy could be benefitted by the various schemes and programmes of the government. If needed, survey should be done at the ground level to understand the real picture of rural challenges. The department was doing great work at every level but there is need of highlighting good deeds at the national level like other states who achieved big awards with few works being done as compared to the Himachal Pradesh.He said that success stories should also be brought up to set the example for others to work more passionately. Mukhya Mantri Yuva Ajivika Yojna would be implemented soon to provide employment opportunities for the youth. Department had also started e-Panchayat concept with PRIYA software and e-PARIVAR. Director Animal Husbandry Dr. S.K. Chaudhary, Director Agriculture Dr. Desh Raj and other officers of PWD, RD and PR and Animal Husbandry were also present on the occasion.