Assembly Speaker holds dialogue with Panchayati Raj representatives in Bhatiyat

Chowari, September 7: Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania held an introductory and interaction meeting with newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives of Bhatiyat development block at the Block Development Office auditorium on Sunday.

Pathania discussed rural development, functioning of panchayats and public welfare issues with newly elected gram panchayat pradhans, up-pradhans and BDC members. He urged them to identify local development needs on priority and coordinate with departments to expedite works.

He said panchayat representatives have an important role in rural development and resolving public grievances. They should rise above political considerations and ensure that government schemes and benefits reach the needy, he added.

Pathania said Bhatiyat is the second-largest development block in Himachal Pradesh, comprising 71 gram panchayats. He noted that the block has emerged as a leading performer in Chamba district in the implementation of various rural development schemes.

He also raised issues related to pending financial liabilities under MGNREGA, lower allocations under the 16th Finance Commission and the Viksit Bharat–Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin).

Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Mehra stressed better coordination among elected representatives, officials and the public for effective functioning of panchayats and timely resolution of grievances. BDO Anil Gurada earlier briefed the participants on the progress of various development schemes and programmes being implemented in the block.