New Delhi: The Centre convened a Panchayat planning workshop in New Delhi, focusing on improving the quality of Gram Panchayat Development Plans and strengthening digital planning tools for better governance.
The two-day Panchayat planning workshop was organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. During the inaugural session, officials launched the People’s Plan Campaign booklet for 2026–27, a report on improving GPDP quality, and a revamped eGramSwaraj planning portal.
Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj said GPDP preparation must focus on measurable outcomes rather than procedural compliance. He stressed that proper planning would prevent resource wastage and improve asset creation at the grassroots level. Moreover, he highlighted the need for sustainability, clear institutional roles and effective use of funds.
Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary in the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, said flagship schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission had created significant infrastructure. However, he added that the focus must now shift to maintenance and efficient utilisation of these assets.
Panchayat planning workshop highlights GPDP reforms and funding
The Panchayat planning workshop also emphasised the role of Gram Panchayats in service delivery. Officials said local bodies must prepare dynamic and outcome-driven plans aligned with community needs. Therefore, stronger convergence between departments was seen as essential.
Additional Secretary Sushil Kumar Lohani noted that despite adequate funding, duplication of schemes often reduced effectiveness. He pointed to a rise in allocations to rural local bodies under the Finance Commission and called for better utilisation of these funds.
Joint Secretary Mukta Shekhar said ₹4.35 lakh crore had been allocated to rural local bodies for 2026–31. She added that linking funds to Panchayat plans would improve transparency and accountability. In addition, states were advised to adopt platforms like eGramSwaraj and AuditOnline.
Technical sessions on the first day covered planning strategies, convergence with poverty reduction plans and digital tools such as Gram Manchitra. On the second day, participants will discuss data-driven planning and share state-level experiences.
Officials said the Panchayat planning workshop aimed to make local governance more inclusive, transparent and result-oriented. They added that increased citizen participation in Gram Sabhas would further strengthen decision-making at the grassroots level.
