The Panchayati Raj Institutions are the most important institutions of grass root democracy and the state government is committed to strengthen these institutions. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the ‘Panch Parmeshwar Sammelan’ at Balichowki in Seraj Vidhan Sabha area of Mandi district, today.The Chief Minister said that the training module for the elected representatives of the PRIs was prepared when he was the Panchayati Raj Minister of the State. The main objective was to educate and sensitize the elected representatives of PRIs about their duties, rights and Acts etc. so that they could function with greater commitment and dedication. He said that this time about 60 percent women had been elected for the PRIs and ULBs in the State which was indeed a step towards the women empowerment. He urged the PRIs representatives to work in such a way that they make a indelible mark in the mind of the people of their respective areas.Jai Ram Thakur announced Rs. 11,000 each for all the Mahila Mandals of the area for organizing various activities. He urged the people to participate in ‘Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign by fluttering Tri-colour on their houses on the auspicious occasion of 75th Independence Day of India.He said that opening of SDM office at Balichowki would not only facilitate the people but also ensure the development of the area. All this was possible due to the continuous and unconditional faith reposed by the people of Seraj Vidhan Sabha area on him for the last about 25 years. He said that the state government was striving hard to ensure that the pace of development was expedited so that the time wasted due to the Covid-19 pandemic could be recovered. The state government had also decided to open office of Horticulture Development Officer, upgradation of primary health centre to community health centre and forest rest house at Balichowki. He said that the work on channelization of Tirthan Khud had been taken in hand.
Jai Ram Thakur said that even during the Corona pandemic, he himself virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones of developmental projects worth Rs. 4200 crore in about 42 Vidhan Sabha areas of the State. He said that a senior leader of Congress party from the district was alleging that only Seraj area was witnessing development during the present tenure of the state government. He reminded the leader that recently during his one-day visit to Drang Vidhan Sabha area, he dedicated and laid foundation stones of developmental projects worth about Rs. 200 crore.The Chief Minister distributed educational literature to the elected representatives of the PRIs on this occasion. Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur said that during last about three and a half years, the State has witnessed unprecedented and unparalleled development. He said that every section of the society had been benefitted by the welfare policies and schemes launched by the present state government. Director, Rural Development Rugved Thakur said that the ‘Panch Parmeshwar Sammelan’ was aimed at providing an opportunity to the elected representatives of the PRIs to interact with the Chief Minister. He said that an exhibition had been put up on the occasion where several departments and NGOs have exhibited their products. The literature had been provided to the elected representatives to educate them about their duties and responsibilities.Chairman, Panchayat Samiti Balichowki Sher Singh thanked the Chief Minister for opening SDM Office, BDO Office and Mini Secretariat, Tehsil Welfare Officer's office, sub-employment office at Balichowki, Sub-Tehsil at Thachi and several other developmental projects for the area.MLA Surender Shourie, Deputy Commissioner Arindam Chaudhary, SP Shalini Agnihotri were also present on the occasion among others.