JAMMU, Feb 25: In a bid to strengthen grassroots governance infrastructure, the Jammu and Kashmir government has identified land for 579 panchayat ghars across the Union Territory, of which 204 have been completed so far, officials said on Wednesday.
The Panchayati Raj Department had set a target of constructing 640 panchayat ghars in J&K.
“Against the target, land has been identified for 579 buildings. Work has been allotted in 435 cases, while 204 units have been completed to date,” Director Panchayati Raj Sham Lal said.
Emphasising timely execution, he directed district officers to ensure that the remaining panchayat ghars are completed by March 31.
Describing panchayat ghars as key public assets at the gram panchayat level, he said these structures should serve as venues for gram sabha meetings. He also instructed panchayat secretaries and other staff to operate from these premises as their designated workplaces.
The government has also established 32 Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs) across J&K to institutionalise and strengthen training and capacity-building programmes at the grassroots level.
Reviewing their progress, the director directed Assistant Commissioners (Panchayats) to make the centres fully functional. He also asked them to prepare short documentary films highlighting achievements of villages where PLCs are operational, to promote awareness and facilitate exposure visits by representatives and officials.
Stressing the importance of effective planning, Sham Lal said the preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) should be undertaken with full momentum and uploaded on the e-GramSwaraj portal as soon as formal instructions are issued.
Referring to the ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar’ initiative, he said it is a dedicated portal aimed at documenting and showcasing the unique identity of selected villages. Officers were directed to upload photographs along with brief write-ups highlighting ancient heritage, historical sites, prominent personalities and other distinctive features of each village.
On the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, he said that, in coordination with the labour department, registration of eligible workers must be completed by March 15. (Agencies)
