Press : National Meeting of Ministers of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development

Press Release

Role and scope of Panchayats in rural development was discussed in a day long meet organized by Panchayat Raj and Good Governance Cell of Bharatiya Janata Party on Aug 17, 2012 in New Delhi. Ministers of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development from BJP ruled States attended the meet along with State Convenors of Panchayat Cell from various States. Shri Bharat Gajipara, National convener of Panchayat Cell convened the meeting. National President Mr Nitin Gadkari, Organisation Secretary Shri Ram Lalji, Sangthan Mantri Panchayat Shri Hridayanathji, National Convener Cells and Morchas Shri Mahendra Pandey were amongst the senior leaders who addressed the meet.

In his address, he laid emphasis on overall rural development which should lead to socio economic empowerment of rural India.  He felt that focus on road network within and outside the village will facilitate trade and overall development, water and water management will lead to more acreage under irrigation, role of horticulture to augment  vegetable and fruit production, energy crops for alternate source of energy,  solar energy can address many ills which are caused by poor power availability in rural areas, waste management to produce organic fertilizer and fuel, quality education with a focus on skill development and technical training will open infinite opportunities for rural youth, library and play grounds in each village for knowledge sharing and promoting sports. He said village level development should be led by Panchayat.

Ministers shared the initiatives taken by their States and the problems faced by them in getting funds from Central government. State delegates shared their views and issues concerning Panchayati Raj.

Shri Hridaya Nathji and Shri Bharat Gajipara gave historical backdrop to the Panchayati Raj and the need to evolve Party’s vision of Panchayati Raj. Shri Nitin Gadkari talked of innovative approach to Panchayat Raj.

(Bharat Gaijipara)
Convener Panchayat  Cell