Srinagar: The second day of the National Workshop on ‘Panchayat with Good Governance’ today witnessed an array of insightful technical sessions and engaging panel discussions.
The event, held at SKICC here, commenced on August 21 and is set to span over three days, aimed at fostering discussions and sharing best practices for enhanced governance at the grassroots level.
The morning session was kicked off with a stimulating panel discussion on the theme of “Citizen Charter, Service Delivery at Grassroot Level,” chaired by the Additional Secretary of Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar.
The discourse centered on the imperative role of citizens in governance, highlighting the efforts made by gram panchayats in implementing technology-driven service delivery mechanisms and citizen charters.
Throughout the day, several technical sessions enveloped the attendees in a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. Informative video films showcased exemplary best practices and success stories, propelling the promotion of technology-driven service delivery mechanisms by gram panchayats.
The rollout of citizen charters by GPs also took center stage, underscored by discussions on strategies for awareness generation strategy using Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and Social Media platform for Development Change communication & Transparency.
Diverse perspectives enriched the workshop, with panel discussions involving active participation from gram panchayats of Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana. The exchange of ideas and experiences showcased the manifold ways good governance is being pursued across various regions.
A pre-noon session on the best practices from Jammu and Kashmir illuminated the event, chaired by Commissioner Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K, Mandeep Kaur.
The session featured enlightening PowerPoint presentations that delved into the systematic updating of assets of Gram Panchayats on the PM Gati Shakti Portal. Additionally, the discourse showcased aspirational Panchayat Development, elucidating the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) achieved, scores attained, and the roadmap for future developmental programs.
Digital innovation also claimed its spotlight during the workshop while expounding upon the digital initiatives undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir towards e-governance. The presentations encompassed a wide spectrum, including AVs on Capacity Building & Training, Exposure Visits of PRIs and elected representatives, and Good Governance initiatives. The implementation of a Carbon Neutral Plan for all 4291 Gram Panchayats was also highlighted, along with insights into upcoming e-Billing and online contractor registration initiatives.
The sessions were characterized by dynamic interactions between panelists, experts, and the audience, fostering a collaborative learning environment for stakeholders of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
The event, inaugurated virtually on August 21 by Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh, in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Kapil Moreshwar Patil.
A host of senior officers of the Government of India and State Governments and around 1000 elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions from across the country also graced the occasion.
Elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions from across the country and across the UT of Jammu and Kashmir also attended the National Workshop. Panchayats that have taken initiatives in thematic areas also participated in the Workshop.

KR Desk