New Delhi, Delhi, 14th of August 2024 : The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised the National Workshop on Leadership by Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in empowering women leaders at the grassroots level and acknowledging their important role in collective efforts towards Viksit Bharat. This workshop was organized in the lead-up to the 78thIndependence Day celebrations, where approximately 400 Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) and Elected Representatives (ERs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have been invited as Special Guests.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Kiran Bedi, Former Lt. Governor, Puducherry & Founder, Navjyoti India Foundation & India Vision Foundation, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Smt. Mamta Varma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Shri Vikas Anand, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Approximately 400 Special Guests, primarily Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) along with their spouses, participating in the Independence Day celebrations in Delhi as well senior officers of the Government of India and State Governments were present on this occasion.
Dr. Kiran Bedi shared her insights on the transformative power of women leaders in Panchayats. She emphasized the importance of Panchayati Raj Institutions in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (developed India). Dr. Bedi urged Panchayat representatives to regularly engage with their communities, remain informed about government schemes and work towards the betterment of their constituencies. She commended the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for organizing this workshop, describing it as a timely and impactful initiative that highlights the critical role of women in grassroots governance and sustainable development in rural areas across the country.
In her remarks, Dr. Kiran Bedi emphasized the transformative power of Panchayati Raj Institutions in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India. She urged Panchayat representatives to regularly listen to All India Radio news bulletins to stay informed about government schemes and share this information with their constituents. Dr. Bedi also stressed the importance of field visits and continuous dialogue with the public to understand and address local issues effectively.
Shri Vivek Bhardwaj delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the critical role that women play in local governance and public service delivery at the grassroots level. He welcomed the Elected Women Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, including Mahila Sarpanches, Block Pramukhs and District Panchayat Presidents and emphasized the importance of strengthening of Panchayati Raj system, noting that two-thirds of India’s population resides in rural areas. In his remarks, Shri Bhardwaj highlighted the increasing participation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, crediting the Prime Minister’s visionary initiative, “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” which has significantly encouraged women’s involvement in grassroots governance. He lauded the role of women in innovative initiatives like Drone Didi and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), emphasizing that their participation is crucial to realizing the vision of an AtmaNirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and a Vikshit Bharat (Developed India).
Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj Shri Vivek Bharadwaj called upon Panchayat representatives to take personal initiatives to end practices such as “Sarpanch Pati” or “Pradhan Pati”, urging them to make decisions with their own wisdom, impartiality, and a commitment to collective progress. Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj Shri Vivek Bharadwaj eloquently stated that the transformative power of women is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive India.
In his address, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj lauded the inspiring tradition recently initiated by the Government of India, where the elected representatives of the three-tier Panchayati Raj institutions are invited to prestigious national events like Independence Day and Republic Day. This practice, he noted, has sparked tremendous enthusiasm and positivity across Panchayats, giving Panchayat leadership a newfound identity and recognition. He stressed that the development of Panchayats is synonymous with the progress of the nation, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj concluded by calling for the percentage of EWRs in PRIs to become a symbol of strong, efficient, and effective leadership. He urged all elected representatives to discharge their duties with resolve and determination, emphasizing that the prosperity of rural areas is key to the nation’s overall progress.
Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar addressed the gathering, extending his best wishes to all the Special Guests and other participants for the 78thIndependence Day. He highlighted the significance of women’s participation in Panchayats as a means to fulfil the nation’s aspiration for a developed India. Dr. Kumar emphasized the Ministry’s continuous efforts to propagate best practices across Panchayats, aiming to create a strong, efficient, and effective leadership that drives sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Smt. Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Government of Karnataka, Ms. Teresy Vanlalhruaii, Secretary, Directorate of Local Administration Department, Government of Mizoram, Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala, Smt. Pravinaben Sanjaybhai Rangani, President, Rajkot District Panchayat, Gujarat, Smt. Rekha Devi, Mukhiya, Aathar Gram Panchayat, Nawanagar Block, Buxar District, Bihar and Smt. Sanyogita Singh Chauhan, Gram Pradhan, Atari Gram Panchayat, Mal Block, Lucknow District, Uttar Pradesh participated in the panel session on Challenges and Opportunities before Women Leadership in Panchayats.
The visit of Panchayat representatives to the National Capital has been designed as an enriching experience. It included a visit to the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya (PM Museum), offering insights into India’s democratic journey and the contributions of incumbent and former Prime Ministers. The climax of the visit would be the participation in the main Independence Day function at Red Fort, followed by a Lunch Function at DAIC, New Delhi, attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The live webcasting of the National Workshop on Women’s Leadership in Panchayats was available on the Ministry’s YouTube channel and social media pages: NIC Webcast: https://webcast.gov.in/mopr; X (Twitter): https://x.com/MoPR_GoI; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryOfPanchayatiRaj; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MinistryOfPanchayatiRaj;
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryOfPanchayatiRaj.
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