The newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs of Bandipora district were administered oath today by District Panchayat Officer during a ceremony which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.Superintendent of Police Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, Assistant Commissioner Development Mohammad Jahangir Khanday, Deputy Chief Election Officer Rafiq Ahmad Lone, Joint Director Planning Abdul Majeed Karnai, Deputy Chief Education Officer Bandipora, Rafiq Ahmad Parray, Nodal Officer SVEEP Ghulam Mohammad Lone and other senior officers of the district
Speaking on the occasion, DC Bandipora congratulated the Sarpanchs on being elected as representatives of their respective Panchayats and assured every possible support from the district administration. He said the development plan of every village would be devised in consensus with the Panches and Sarpanches of respective Panchayats. He asked the Sarpanchs for innovation in MGNREGA convergence and development of rural infrastructure apart from close monitoring of developmental works and Government institutions.He said Panchayati Raj Institutions can truly represent and fulfill the developmental aspirations of people due to direct participation of people in planning and development of their areas and implementing Government welfare schemes under close monitoring.
Dr Choudhary later inaugurated the 4-day training program for Sarpanchs organised by Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.Three resources persons including Dr Murtaza Rashid (BDO), Dr Nazir Ahmad Bhat (BDO) and Mohammad Sultan Sheikh (Panchayat Inspector) will impart training to the Sarpanchs wherein they will brief the Sarpanchs about Panchayat Raj Act, Sustainable Development Goals, major flagship programs, duties and responsibilities of elected representatives, Halqa Panchayat Budget, Accounts and Auditing, E-Governance, Concept of Social Auditing and other related topics.On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner announced smartphones for the Sarpanches for a responsive and prompt service delivery. He said the Sarpanchs will be trained to use the technology-based services and are being provided with basic equipment and infrastructure for better, transparent and effective public service delivery.DC Bandipora urged the Sarpanchs to actively participate in the training program so that they are fully aware about the functioning of Panchayat Raj institutions. He said the training will help them to grow leadership skills.He emphasized upon the Sarpanchs to ensure that institutions responsible for ensuring primary health and education at grass root level are strengthened and attention is given to develop sports infrastructure at the Village level with opportunities to youth to explore their capabilities to the maximum.