Director asks PRIs to prioritise rural development
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 24 2025: RD and PR director Ksh Umananda has stated that panchayat areas can only be developed when the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) cultivate a genuine concern for the villagers and actively work towards the development of the villages.

Speaking as chief guest at the National Panchayati Raj Day celebration organised by Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj at Porompat Panchayat Bhavan, on Thursday, Umananda mentioned that the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 came into force on April 24, 1993 .

Since 2010, the day is being observed as National Panchayati Raj Day across the country with special emphasis on infrastructure development in rural areas where two-third of India's population lives.

The director further stated that unless 63 percent of the rural population actively participates in the development process, India's goal of becoming a developed country by 2047 will remain futile.

Umananda also informed that, due to the prevailing unrest situation in the state, elections for the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have not yet been held.

However, he assured that once the elections are conducted, the three-tier PRI system will be implemented, and all necessary measures will be taken to fulfill the objectives outlined in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.

Drawing the attention of the functionaries of his department, the director pointed out the need for officials to assist and guide elderly villagers when they visit the office.

He appealed to 411 concerned to contribute their best efforts in serving both the society and the department.

He also urged the PRIs not to rely solely on funds, acknowledging that while funds are necessary and important, they should also explore alternative ways and means to develop the villages.

Presided over by RD & PR chief finance officer Maisnam Chanu Liklainu, the function was also attended by RD&PR deputy director Abujam Romen as guest of honour.

Panchayat Awards were also distributed during the function.

Langthabal Ningombam Gram Panchayat under Hiyanthang CD Block also celebrated National Panchayati Raj Day on Thursday, under the aegis of Hiyanthang CD Block BDO Scindia Laipubam.

Speaking in connection with the day, Langthabal Ningombam GP chairperson Sapam Jotin informed that it aims to raise awareness on various public welfare schemes taken up under Panchayat and how public can avail it.

During the programme, gifts were presented to families belonging to weaker sections along with conduct of awareness programme on the ban on single use plastics (SUP) in the surrounding area.

Langthabal Mantrikhong Naorem Leikai GP also observed National Panchayati Raj Day, by launching 'Ban on SUP' campaign in the locality.

Similarly, Oinam Thingel GP observed the Day at Asem Leikai community hall with launch of 'Ban on SUP' campaign.

Langjing Gram Panchayat, Patsoi CD Block also organised National Panchayati Raj Day at Langjing Achouba Western Star Club community hall on Thursday.

The function was attended by Women Welfare Association president Soraisam Binokumari, Langjing Gram Panchayat chairperson Sorokhaibam Sijust Singh and Women Welfare Association secretary Elangbam Shanti Devi as chief guest, president and special guest respectively while Patsoi Ward no 1 member Wahengbam Birla, ward no 3 member Leishangthem Nanao, ward no 4 member Likmabam Thouranishabi, ward no 5 member Longjam Ritanjoy, ward no 6 member Sorokhaibam Egitkumar and ward no 7 member Khoirom Mickel were the guests of honour.

Awareness on prohibition on single use plastics and PM Vishwakarma Scheme was also conducted as part of the programme.

Comment