PULWAMA: Under the directions of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Baseer-Ul-Haq Choudhary, meetings of the Gram Sabha were held in all 190 Panchayat of the District Pulwama for approval of GPDP 2023-24.
The DC visited many Halqa Panchayats and supervised the Gram Sabha. He visited Block Shadimarg, Halqa Panchayat Drabgam and presided over the special Gram Sabha Meeting there. A large number of people, senior citizens, PRIs actively participated in the Gram Sabhas, during which agenda points along with other issues were discussed in detail and focus was laid on the developmental activities of respective Panchayati Halqa.
The DC impressed upon the local people present in the Gram Sabha Meeting to speak up for their village, discuss and finalize the Gram Panchayat Development Programme (GPDP). He insisted upon the local people that by participating in the Gram Sabha Meeting, they are actually becoming a part of the development process of their areas.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that the Gram Panchayat Development Programme (GPDP) is an all-encompassing plan across all sectors for the development of Gram Panchayats in the District. He said it is imperative for development of a participatory plan that the representatives of the different line Departments come together in the Gram Sabha, which serves as the fulcrum of the Panchayat and a vital platform where people discuss issues of local governance.
The DC said that this integration helps to augment awareness about the Central and State schemes and in preparing a comprehensive, inclusive GPDP through participatory mechanisms.
The DC added that GPDPs are to be aligned with the 09 thematic areas for LSDGs, which are an integral part of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and are a key to ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards sustainable development.
The DC further said that these meetings of Gram Sabhas will provide an opportunity for locals to come together and participate in the decision-making process for their respective panchayats.
This will ensure that the approved GPDPs are reflective of the needs and aspirations of the community and will pave the way for the achievement of the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
The prime aim of the Gram Sabhas is to ensure expeditious improvement in the socio-economic status of the people and achieving holistic development of the area. He said the essence of democracy is that people shall rule themselves and decide for themselves what is good or bad for them.