Div Com Jammu inaugurates Rural Development Department’s workshop on ‘Panchayat Development and MGNREGA Convergence’

Emphasizes on holistic & sustainable development of panchayats with focus on Human development

Div Com calls for effective planning, creation of livelihood opportunities at village level

JAMMU, JUNE 28: Divisional commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar today inaugurated a one-day UT-level workshop on “Panchayat Development Plan and MGNREGA convergence” organised by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

The workshop was attended by Director Rural Development Jammu, Muhammad Mumtaz Ali, Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, Mission Director NRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib, HoDs of stakeholder departments and other key officials.

In his inaugural address, Divisional Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar emphasized on holistic and sustainable development of panchayats with focus on Human development.

He underscored the critical importance of effective planning and highlighted the GPDP as a comprehensive process aimed at addressing developmental needs and bridging gaps.

He outlined key considerations including identifying the different needs, measures for socio-economic development, promotion of human development and livelihoods, empowerment of women, and developing tourist destinations.

The Div Com also emphasised the necessity of taking village-level steps to address issues such as drug abuse and pollution. He specifically emphasised the pivotal role of all officers in GPDP, with special emphasis on Chief Planning Officers and Additional District Development Commissioners.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Rural Development Jammu gave a brief overview of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and emphasised the role of different departments in achieving a convergent development plan.

Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal emphasised the importance of streamlining and enhancing the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) process. He outlined several key strategies aimed at improving coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness in rural development planning.

He underlined the importance of streamlining data collection and management. He advocated for actively engaging Line Departments in gathering and updating accurate data on the Panchayat Development Index (PDI) portal.

A number of technical sessions were conducted in the day-long workshop.

During the workshop, Madan Gopal, Director of the Finance Department, discussed the integration of UT-funded schemes with GPDP and highlighted the roles of Administrative Departments, while Suneel Pandita, Director Planning, elaborated on the convergence of centrally sponsored schemes within GPDP.

Additionally, Waseem Raja, Additional Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, focused on the convergent plan under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.

Dr. Shafia Wani, a faculty member at IMPARD, J&K, addressed the challenges and strategies involved in GPDP preparation, emphasizing the expectations from line Departments to facilitate the formation of an Integrated GPDP.

Shivangni Chaudhary, Consultant-PDI in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, underscored the significance of PDI in achieving sustainable development goals.

Dr. Sajad Ahmed Dar, a thematic expert from the Department of Panchayati Raj, delivered a presentation on the thematic area-wise preparation of GPDP.

The workshop was also attended by the SPRC/DPRC team and other officials of the department.