Haryana CM: ‘Panchayats shield of national unity, good governance, democracy’

He was addressing a gathering at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Haryana Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad’ workshop, a two-day BJP event being held in Faridabad’s Surajkund, Khattar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for empowering panchayats. Modi addressed the programme through video conferencing, while BJP chief J P Nadda among other party leaders attended the event.

Khattar said the focus on all-round development in villages is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable and inclusive growth across the country.

“Even after 75 years of independence, the development of villages remains a primary need,” he said. In the last nine years, starting numerous schemes and conducting experiments for village development in Haryana reflects a proactive approach adopted by the current state government towards improving rural infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and overall quality of life, Khattar was quoted as saying in a statement.

Calling panchayats the shield of national unity, integrity, good governance, and democracy, the chief minister underscored the pivotal role played by them in local self-governance and the democratic process.

“In our country, the belief of ‘panch-parameshwar’ originated due to the justice-lovingness of the panchayats. The three levels of gram panchayat, panchayat samiti and zila parishad are the basic foundation of the democratic system of our country,” he said.

“Similarly, civic bodies like municipality and municipal council are also making commendable efforts in the overall development of the urban areas of the country,” said Khattar.

The chief minister said Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) were empowered for the dynamic development of rural areas. Because of this, PRIs have been given key administrative and financial powers by the government, he added.

With PTI inputs.