GANGTOK,: The Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) serves as a crucial instrument of self-governance under the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) framework, embodying the essence of grassroots planning and inclusive development.
Recognizing the transformative potential of participatory governance, the seven GPUs of Dzongu block convened a Joint Gram Planning Forum in collaboration with BAC, Passingdang on Monday at the Block Administrative Centre (BAC), Passingdang, Mangan District. This initiative exemplifies the commitment to aligning the voices of local communities with developmental aspirations, a press release informs.
Area MLA Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, also the Forest minister, attended the meeting as an observer.
Demonstrating his unwavering dedication to Dzongu’s progress, the minister prioritized this significant forum, cancelling a high-level meeting scheduled at Rholu. The session was chaired by panchayat president Dawa Tshering Lepcha, with Up-Adhakshya, Mangan District, Sonam Kipa Bhutia, serving as the co-chairperson.
This collaborative event brought together a diverse array of participants, including panchayat presidents, vice presidents, members, PRI functionaries, senior VAA, PDAs of all GPUs, BDO Passingdang, BAC officials, SDM Dzongu, joint director cum RO Dzongu block, Additional Superintendent of Police, CEO Education department, HoDs, and representatives from various line departments.
At the outset, an engaging presentation by the deputy director, SIRD, outlined the significance of Gram Sabha, Gram Planning Forum, and the GPDP process, emphasizing the role of collective vision in fostering sustainable development.
The forum featured the presentation of draft GPDPs from all seven GPUs-Lum Gor Sangtok, Hee Gyathang, Lingdong Barfok, Passingdang Saffo, Lingthem Lingdem, Tingvong, and Sakyong Pentong GPU. These plans, developed through intensive community consultations, highlighted priority areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood enhancement.
Additionally, representatives from line departments presented their schemes and programmes, ensuring alignment with the needs articulated in the GPDPs. This integration fosters a synergy between local aspirations and government policies, ensuring resource optimization and effective implementation.
The zero hour provided a platform for the panchayat representatives to voice pressing concerns and development challenges to the line departments. Issues ranged from infrastructure gaps to capacity-building needs, all of which were addressed with actionable responses by the departmental representatives.
The minister-cum-area MLA applauded the initiative, recognizing the tireless efforts of the Gram Panchayats and BAC Passingdang in orchestrating such a comprehensive platform for dialogue. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling the developmental aspirations of Dzongu and emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making in shaping sustainable roadmaps, the release mentions.
The forum concluded with the reading and signing of the minutes of the meeting, symbolizing a collective commitment to the agreed-upon priorities. The minister underscored the significance of this initiative as a model for participatory governance, where all stakeholders collaboratively envision and execute development plans.
This Gram Planning Forum serves as a pivotal step in fostering an inclusive, transparent, and sustainable approach to governance in Dzongu, the release adds.