Gujarat state govt to train panchayat officials

In an effort to strengthen the panchayati raj system in the state, the government plans to educate around 1.5 lakh panchayat functionaries across Gujarat. The project is part of a central programme carried out in association with the state government. It is part of the Centre's efforts to upgrade the panchayati raj system in the country.

More than 13,000 villages including some 650 in Ahmedabad will be covered under the project.

Minister for panchayati raj, Gujarat, Narottam Patel said "We appreciate the centre's initiative but we are already working towards the efficiency and capacity building of these panchayats."

As part of the training the panchayati functionaries will be taught the rules, how to implement government schemes, fund management and its right use among others.

"Other factors like welfare of socially backward people will also be taught," said president of Gujarat Rajya Talati Mandal, Viramdev Sinh Chudasama.  "People who join panchayat for the first time need to be made familiar with the system," he said.

Executive director of All India Institute of Self Governance- Ahmedabad chapter, Ajay Agarwal said "This is needed as it will not only make the system smooth but also help develop the idea of 'rurban' (urbanisation in rural areas)."