PASIGHAT, Jul 28: Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing has stressed the importance of empowering rural institutions and strengthening grassroots governance
He stressed this while addressing a one-day orientation programme for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development functionaries at Pasighat today.
Welcoming officers/officials and elected representatives from the district, the Minister said that the orientation programme was being conducted at different locations across the State to ensure wider participation, reflecting the government’s commitment towards holistic rural development.
He urged the participants to disseminate the knowledge gained during the programme to the village level so that the benefits of various government initiatives reach every citizen.
Emphasizing the importance of the 16th Finance Commission, the Minister said that effective implementation of government schemes requires practical understanding and problem-solving at the grassroots. He called upon officers and public representatives to act as facilitators rather than obstacles, and appealed to all citizens to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
He further urged officials to empower rural communities by ensuring effective implementation of schemes such as SBM(G), SPR, G-RAM-G and other flagship programmes for the benefit of unemployed youth and villagers.
Advisor to the Minister, Taniya Soki highlighted that capacity-building programmes play a vital role in strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and improving rural governance. He stressed the need to empower elected representatives, enhance digital literacy among grassroots leaders and foster mutual respect and cooperation between government officials and elected representatives.
Earlier, East Siang ZPC Ruth Tabing Boko encouraged participants to actively engage in the technical sessions to enhance their understanding of rural development schemes, grants and Panchayati Raj matters.
The technical sessions featured presentations by resource persons on the Schedule of Rates (SOR) and Outcome-Based Service Rating (OSR), the 15th Finance Commission, convergence of schemes, Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), VB-RAM-G, SECURE and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
East Siang Deputy Commissioner (In-charge) Pebika Lego, ADC (HQs), also spoke. (DIPRO)