Panchayat dept issues letter to remind members of their duties

Kolkata: The state Panchayats and Rural Development department has issued an open letter to Panchayat members reminding of their duties.

This is for the first time that such a venture has been taken up. It may be mentioned that the implementation of various projects through the three tier Panchayat system has received appreciation throughout the country.

The open letter has been published in the January issue of Panchayati Raj. It may be mentioned that in 2017, the department had held a two-day conference at Netaji Indoor Stadium where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asked the Panchayat members to develop intimate contacts with the locals and ensure that they be given all the benefits announced by the state government. She had also asked the Panchayat members to come up with ideas and implement them in their areas.

In the extended meeting of the party's core committee, Mamata Banerjee had asked all the Panchayat leaders to work for the development of their respective areas. The Panchayat election is scheduled to be held in April-May.

In the open letter, the department has asked the Pradhans to go to the people and ensure if all the schemes have reached the beneficiaries. They have asked to oversee the proper implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme where people have been given jobs under 100 days work and asset creation has been done.

The department has taken a scheme to go for massive afforestation where lakhs of saplings will be planted all over the state.

For successful implementation of the project, the Pradhans have been asked to chalk out plans in their respective areas. They should identify the plots — both individual and non individual — and mark out those who will work to maintain the trees and should also decide on the varieties. Thus, if these paper works are completed, it will be easier to plant the saplings and maintain them. Similarly, if the soil where the saplings will be planted are treated, then good results can be yielded.

The Panchayats and Rural Development department has decided to involve all the Panchayats for successful implementation of any scheme and to do that prior planning will be required. The department has asked the Pradhans to make flawless planning for the successful implementation of the schemes.