Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Inaugurates National Workshop on Socially Just Panchayats in Patna
Patna (Bihar), September 10, 2024: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, inaugurated a three-day National Workshop on the theme of ‘Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats’ at Gyan Bhawan, Samrat Ashok Convention Centre in Patna, Bihar.
The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Bihar, runs from September 10 to September 12, 2024.
Empowering Panchayats
In his address, Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the efforts of the Central and State Governments in empowering Panchayats by providing resources, implementing capacity-building initiatives, and introducing digital interventions. He urged Panchayats to use these resources efficiently to achieve the vision of Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats.
Singh emphasized that Panchayats play a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. He called on elected Panchayat representatives to work towards inclusive and holistic development, ensuring no one is left behind.
Environmental Conservation and Women’s Empowerment
Singh also encouraged Panchayat representatives to support the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, connecting environmental conservation with an emotional appeal. He praised Bihar’s advancements in rural development, Panchayati Raj, environmental conservation, and women’s empowerment under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
He urged elected women representatives to actively participate in the Panchayati Raj system and end the practice of ‘Sarpanch Pati’ or ‘Mukhiya Pati’ (husbands acting on behalf of their elected wives).
Collective Efforts for Sustainable Development
Prof. SP Singh Baghel stressed the importance of collective efforts at the grassroots level to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He called for a National Conference of Panchayati Raj Ministers to discuss Panchayati Raj issues and urged Panchayat representatives to improve education quality and address groundwater and climate change concerns.
Insights from Bihar’s Panchayati Raj System
Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Vijay Kumar Sinha highlighted the logical and practical aspects of Bihar’s Panchayati Raj Act. Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj Vivek Bharadwaj praised Bihar’s Gram Kachahari system and expressed hope that participants would implement innovative practices in their regions.
Workshop Activities
The workshop included sessions on strategies and innovative models, chaired by Kuntal Sen Sharma, Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Rural Development. Short films on best practices of National Award-winning and Beacon Panchayats were screened, chaired by Vikas Anand. Participants engaged in group discussions and enjoyed cultural presentations showcasing Bihar’s rich heritage.
Over 900 participants, including elected representatives, senior officials, and members of various organizations, attended the workshop.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh -: Rajiv Ranjan Singh is a politician in India who is currently serving as a Union Minister. He helps manage and oversee certain government activities.
National Workshop -: A National Workshop is a big meeting where people from all over the country come together to learn and discuss important topics. In this case, it’s about making Panchayats better.
Socially Just Panchayats -: Socially Just Panchayats are local government bodies that treat everyone fairly and equally, making sure all people in the community have the same opportunities.
Patna -: Patna is the capital city of the Indian state of Bihar. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj -: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is a part of the Indian government that focuses on strengthening local self-governments called Panchayats.
Government of Bihar -: The Government of Bihar is the governing authority for the Indian state of Bihar. It makes decisions and provides services for the people living in Bihar.
Panchayats -: Panchayats are local government bodies in villages and small towns in India. They help manage local issues and make decisions for the community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the current Prime Minister of India. He is the head of the government and makes important decisions for the country.
Developed India by 2047 -: Developed India by 2047 is a vision where India becomes a very advanced and prosperous country by the year 2047, which will be 100 years after its independence.
Digital interventions -: Digital interventions are the use of technology and digital tools to improve services and make things work better. For example, using computers and the internet to help Panchayats.
Innovative practices -: Innovative practices are new and creative ways of doing things that can make processes better and more efficient.
Group discussions -: Group discussions are meetings where people talk together to share ideas and solve problems.
Cultural presentations -: Cultural presentations are performances or displays that show the traditions, music, dance, and art of a particular community or region.
