JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir UT has bagged three national awards under separate categories for outstanding contribution by its Panchayati Raj Institutions towards socio-economic development of Gram Panchayats, adopting child-friendly practices and preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plan at the panchayat level.
The awards were given under three different categories viz. Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP), Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) Award, Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, GoI to recognise the efforts and work done by the best performing panchayats all over the country.
The awards are aimed at to strengthen the institution of Gram Sabhas highlighting it as an institution of decision making.
While Panchayat Jamola Lower of District Rajouri has been awarded child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award 2020 for adopting best practices in terms of ensuring timely vaccination of children, optimum enrolment, attendance of teachers in schools, reduction of drop-out rate in schools, open defecation free status, implementation of Mid-day Meal scheme and drinking water facilities.
Panchayat Dhangri of the same district has been awarded with Nanaji Deshmukh Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar for outstanding performance in improving the socio-economic fabric of the panchayat.
Similarly, Panchayat Zaloora B of District Baramulla has been adjudged as best performing GP for the Gram Panchayat Development Plan awards for preparing holistic and comprehensive development plan for the panchayat.
Appreciating the tireless efforts, dedication and good work carried out by the awardee Panchayats, Secretary, Rural Development Department, Sheetal Nanda, impressed upon other panchayats to replicate similar steps and adopt best practices in their respective panchayats for greater welfare of the rural masses.
Secretary said that all the Sarpanchs and Panchayat members should fully utilise their powers to the fullest for desired development and growth of their panchayats. She expressed extreme satisfaction that in a short span of one year and four months only the Sarpanchs and Panchs of these panchayats have adopted the role of community leaders and started working for the betterment of their people.
She extended felicitations to Akis Nisar, Sarpanch, Panchayat Jamola Lower, Dheeraj Kumar, Sarpanch, Panchayat Dhangri and Ghulam Ahmed Lone Sarpanch, Zaloora B for winning the awards. She also applauded the efforts of Abdul Khabir, District Panchayat Officer, Rajouri and Yar Ali, District Panchayat Officer Baramulla for their active role in making this possible.
