JAMMU: Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, chaired a comprehensive review meeting today to assess the progress of Panchayat infrastructure and key grassroots governance initiatives across the Union Territory.
The meeting evaluated the construction status of Panchayat Ghars, functioning of Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs), progress of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and the implementation of the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar initiative.
The meeting was informed that, against a target of 640 Panchayat Ghars, land has been identified for 579, work has been allotted in 435 cases, while 204 units stand completed to date.
The Director conducted a detailed review of division-wise performance, fund expenditure, land identification challenges and overall operational efficiency.
Emphasizing the need for timeline execution, the Director instructed district officers to ensure completion of all remaining Panchayat Ghars strictly by March 31.
He described Panchayat Ghars as vital public assets at the Gram Panchayat level under the Panchayati Raj system, stating that these must function as hubs for Gram Sabha meetings.
He further instructed that Panchayat Secretaries and other staff should operate from these buildings as their official workplaces.
Reviewing the status of 32 Panchayat Learning Centres established across Jammu and Kashmir, Sham Lal directed Assistant Commissioners Panchayats (ACPs) to institutionalise and fully operationalise these centres to strengthen training and capacity-building programmes.
He also asked ACPs to prepare short documentary films showcasing the achievements of villages where PLCs are functional, to create awareness and facilitate exposure visits by representatives and officials.
The Director stressed that preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans should be undertaken with full momentum and uploaded on the e-GramSwaraj portal immediately upon issuance of formal instructions.
Speaking on the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar initiative, he described it as a dedicated portal aimed at documenting and showcasing the unique identity of selected villages.
Officers were instructed to upload not only photographs but also concise narratives highlighting ancient heritage, historical structures, notable personalities and other distinctive features of each village, along with relevant data.
Regarding the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, the Director informed that in coordination with the Labour Department, registration of eligible labourers must be completed by March 15.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Secretary RD&PR, Tahir Ahmad Magray; Assistant Commissioners, Panchayats; Executive Engineers and other senior officers.
