Public Works Minister inaugurated the newly constructed building of Gram Panchayat Kot, built at a cost of Rs 1.14 crore.

Shimla: Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that providing modern facilities to all Panchayats across the state is a top priority of the government. He was addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the newly constructed Gram Panchayat Kot building, built at a cost of ₹1.14 crore.

The Minister said that efforts are underway to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions by upgrading old Panchayat buildings with modern amenities and constructing new Panchayat Ghars on a uniform design and pattern, ensuring that all Panchayat-related services are available to citizens under one roof.

Congratulating the people and elected representatives of Kot Panchayat, he said that the Panchayat Ghar serves as the focal point of local governance, where development plans are formulated and implemented. He recalled that earlier Panchayats lacked basic facilities, but during the tenures of former Chief Ministers Dr. Y.S. Parmar and Virbhadra Singh, steps were taken to empower Panchayats and women, resulting in stronger grassroots institutions.

The Minister said that several new Panchayats were formed in the Shimla Rural Assembly constituency during the previous BJP government and their buildings have since been completed, barring one case delayed due to court proceedings. He added that modern Panchayat buildings provide both convenience to representatives and a platform for citizens to voice their concerns.

Directions on Four-Lane Project Issues

Addressing problems arising from four-lane construction, the Minister said protecting the interests of affected villagers is a priority. He informed that regular inspections and meetings are being held to restore drinking water sources, repair damaged houses and roads, maintain power and water supply, safeguard farming and horticulture activities, and ensure uninterrupted irrigation. He also directed project authorities to provide employment opportunities to local youth through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

He said that ₹2.4 crore has been approved for 21 development works in Kot Panchayat over the past three years. He added that the Chauri Ghati–Yan link road, constructed at a cost of ₹6.5 crore, has been damaged due to four-lane construction and has been ordered to be repaired. The Shoghi–Sadhupul via Kanechi Ohar link road will be constructed under NABARD, while ₹5 crore has been approved through the Ministry of National Highways for irrigation schemes, for which DPR preparation is underway.

Open Gym, Library and Health Facilities

The Minister announced the construction of an open gym to encourage youth fitness and prevent drug abuse, urging the Panchayat to identify suitable land. A library will also be constructed in Shoghi to support local students. He added that work on a Community Health Center in Shoghi is underway, with the project cost increased from ₹6.5 lakh to ₹23 lakh to include trauma care facilities.

Additional Grant and Public Grievances

Welcoming the chief guest, Panchayat Pradhan Neha Mehta shared details of development works and local issues. The Minister assured prompt redressal and announced an additional grant of ₹6 lakh for development works in Kot Panchayat.

Under the “Government to the Village” programme, the Minister also heard public grievances and resolved most issues on the spot with the help of concerned officials. He urged villagers to openly share their concerns so that they can be addressed effectively.

Several public representatives, officials, and residents from Kot and nearby Panchayats were present on the occasion.