SRINAGAR: Director Panchayati Raj, Jammu and Kashmir, Sham Lal, on Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Assistant Commissioners Panchayat (ACP) to assess the progress of key components under the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
The review covered the construction of Panchayat Ghars (PGs), nomination of Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs), development of Model Women Friendly Gram Panchayats, and geo-tagging of PGs through the Meri Panchayat App.
Director emphasized that quality must not be compromised in the execution of rural infrastructure projects. He directed ACPs to ensure strict monitoring of construction works, material usage, and to maintain standards as per RGSA guidelines.
As per the 2023–24 targets, Director instructed ACPs to ensure completion of at least 443 Panchayat Ghars by March next year. He also called for a joint review with Executive Engineers to assess the quality and pace of work.
Reviewing the status of Panchayat Ghars where land is available but work has not started, Sham Lal urged officers to expedite decisions and commence construction wherever land is feasible and dispute-free.
For Panchayats where land has not yet been identified, he asked for immediate finalization of locations. In disputed cases, he directed joint site inspections with the Revenue department to resolve issues promptly.
Director stressed the urgency of nominating Gram Panchayats for four Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs) per district.
He informed that 40 PLCs have been approved under the Annual Action Plan of RGSA for FY 2025–26. Only Panchayats with existing Panchayat Ghars are to be considered.
Sham Lal emphasized that these centres should serve as institutionalized training hubs for elected representatives and the rural population.
He also reviewed the construction of additional rooms in Panchayat Ghars for the co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs). He said that 668 rooms will be completed, marking significant progress in enhancing grassroots digital service delivery.
Underscoring the government’s commitment to gender-inclusive governance, he reiterated the importance of developing Model Women Friendly Gram Panchayats. A total of 20 Gram Panchayats 10 each in Kashmir and Jammu divisions have been identified. “These Panchayats will serve as examples of gender equity, with emphasis on safety, participation, and accessibility for women,” Sham Lal said.
He also instructed officers to accelerate geo-tagging of all Panchayat Ghars using the ‘Meri Panchayat’ mobile app, stressing that the process must be completed within a stipulated time frame to ensure transparency and real-time monitoring.
Additionally, Sham Lal highlighted the strategic importance of the Project for Creating Model Gram Panchayat Clusters (PCMGPCs), a national initiative now directly implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
He stated that these clusters aim to build replicable models of self-governance, reflecting structured planning, digital systems, financial transparency, gender responsiveness, and effective convergence of government schemes.
He urged the concerned officers to fully engage with the project and make J&K’s clusters a benchmark of excellence in rural governance.
