A comprehensive four-day training programme for elected representatives of 34 Gram Panchayats in the Lahaul Development Block of Lahaul and Spiti district commenced on Saturday at the District Council Conference Hall in Keylong. The initiative aims to enhance the institutional capacity and governance skills of local rural leaders.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the training is designed to equip the Pradhans, Up-Pradhans, and Ward Members with essential knowledge and tools to effectively serve their communities and foster development.
Deputy Commissioner Nivedita Negi formally inaugurated the first phase of the training by lighting the ceremonial lamp. She emphasized the importance of the elected representatives’ roles in fulfilling the trust placed in them by the public for the welfare and development of their respective areas. Negi urged the participants to approach their responsibilities with sincerity, dedication, and accountability.
The Deputy Commissioner assured the Panchayat representatives of the district administration’s full cooperation in advancing development initiatives and addressing public grievances. She also underscored the necessity for effective coordination between the Panchayats and the administration to ensure the seamless and efficient execution of development works across the block. This collaborative approach, she noted, is crucial for maximizing the impact of local governance efforts.
Highlighting the significance of such training programmes, Ms. Negi stated that they are instrumental in strengthening the institutional framework of Panchayati Raj representatives. The sessions are structured to provide participants with a thorough understanding of their powers, duties, and the administrative procedures involved in local governance. Furthermore, the training will impart detailed knowledge of the Panchayati Raj Act and its associated rules and regulations, which are fundamental to the functioning of grassroots democracy.
Ms. Negi encouraged all attendees to actively engage in the training sessions. She urged them to apply the acquired knowledge and skills towards improving governance, accelerating development activities, and effectively resolving public grievances within their respective Panchayats. This practical application of learned concepts is expected to lead to tangible improvements in local administration and service delivery.
The training sessions are being led by experienced resource persons. Satish Kumar Sharma, a retired Joint Director of Panchayati Raj affiliated with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad, and Vinod Verma, a retired Superintendent Grade-I from the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, Shimla, are conducting the workshops. They will provide in-depth guidance on the Panchayati Raj Act, relevant statutory provisions, and the operational aspects of Gram Panchayat functioning.
The training programme for the elected representatives of all 34 Gram Panchayats under the Lahaul Development Block is scheduled to be conducted in multiple phases. These phases will extend from October 31 to November 24, 2026. On the inaugural day, representatives from eight Gram Panchayats, comprising Pradhans, Up-Pradhans, and Ward Members, participated in the training. This phased approach ensures that all elected members receive the necessary training without disrupting local governance operations significantly.
Present at the inauguration ceremony were Project Officer (ITDP) Ashwani Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Keylong Kunika Akers, Block Development Officer Manish Rai, District Panchayat Officer and Secretary of the District Council Sanjay Kumar, alongside other government officials and numerous Panchayat representatives. Their presence underscored the importance and collaborative spirit surrounding this developmental initiative.
The Chenab Times News Desk