TAWANG, Oct 14: A district-level orientation programme on the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and XVI Finance Commission grants for newly elected Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here on Wednesday under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
The programme was organised by the State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR) in collaboration with District Panchayati Raj Department, Tawang, to strengthen the capacity of elected representatives in grassroots governance, participatory planning, financial management and effective utilisation of Finance Commission grants for rural development.
Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo chaired the programme, which was attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, all six Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) and PRI members from across the district.
The programme began with a welcome address by ADC-cum-District Panchayati Raj Development Officer Rinchin Leta, followed by the inaugural address by the Deputy Commissioner.
Addressing the participants, Angmo said that although the training programme had been planned earlier, it could not be conducted due to various reasons. However, she noted that sufficient time remained for the newly elected PRI members to work towards the welfare and development of the people.
She said the training would help members better understand and discharge their roles and responsibilities. Describing it as a refresher course, she said it would also provide an opportunity for experienced members to share their knowledge, clarify doubts and exchange ideas with the resource person.
She stressed that strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions was a collective responsibility and said the programme would also benefit government officials by providing fresh perspectives on rural governance.
SIRD&PR course director and resource person Dr Mihin Lali conducted the training sessions, focusing on the preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans and the effective implementation of rural development initiatives.
The orientation aimed to equip PRI members with the knowledge and practical skills to identify local needs, prioritise development activities, prepare effective village development plans and ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds. It also sought to promote participatory decision-making and inclusive, sustainable rural development across Tawang district.
The programme underscored the importance of capacity building and coordination between elected representatives and government officials in strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring that development initiatives address the needs and aspirations of rural communities. (DIPRO)