Raipur, Apr 24 (PTI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday said the “double-engine government” has been strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions to reinforce the foundation of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
He stressed that active participation of Panchayat representatives is key to rural development and ensuring the benefits of government schemes reach the last person.
Sai was addressing a conference of Panchayat representatives on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day at Pt Deendayal Upadhyay auditorium in Raipur.
“Development of villages depends on the proactive role of panchayat representatives. Only then can welfare schemes effectively reach those at the grassroots,” he said, adding that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, a new chapter of holistic rural development is being written across the country.
The “double-engine government” (BJP rule at the Centre and in states) has been strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions to reinforce the foundation of a developed India, he said.
Sai said he began his political career as a panchayat representative and had served as a panch and sarpanch, noting that grassroots governance provides valuable experience for leadership roles.
He added that many leaders have risen from panchayats to higher legislative bodies.
Highlighting the role of local bodies, he said panchayats play a crucial part in making villages clean, healthy and developed, and effective policymaking depends on strong grassroots implementation.
The CM said schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have ensured pucca houses for rural families, while the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has significantly improved connectivity in villages.
He said that services such as banking, electricity bill payment, pensions and insurance have become more accessible in rural areas through Atal Digital Service Centres, boosting the rural economy. Construction of ‘Mahtari Sadan’ for women is also underway in several panchayats, with several already completed and benefiting women directly.
Sai urged panchayat representatives to regularly monitor development works to ensure quality and timely completion.
He said under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the goal is to provide clean drinking water to every household, and panchayats have a major role in its timely implementation.
Referring to ‘Sushasan Tihar’, scheduled to begin on May 1, he said camps will be organised to address public grievances in villages.
He called on representatives to actively participate in identifying and resolving local issues through the initiative.
Sai assured that the state government will provide all necessary resources to empower panchayats and appealed to representatives to work actively for the development of their areas.
During the programme, Sai reviewed stalls showcasing various initiatives, including a mega health camp organised under ‘Project Chhaya’, and interacted with women undergoing stitching and embroidery training, appreciating their efforts towards livelihood enhancement. PTI TKP NP
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