UDHAMPUR: The Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj organized a one-day District Level Consultation Workshop here today in the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex Udhampur. The Workshop engaged with the stakeholders associated with the formulation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP). Another focus of the workshop was on devising effective strategies for MGNREGA convergence.
“The event aimed to enhance the effectiveness of rural development through the strategic integration of Panchayat Development Plans with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)” said the RD department.
Additional District Development Commissioner Rajinder Singh chaired the workshop and delivered the keynote address. He underscored the importance of convergence in rural development schemes and prioritizing the participation of women and marginalized sections of the community in the Gram Sabhas.
Assistant Commissioner Development Ranjit Singh Kotwal highlighted the critical need for convergence between Panchayat Development Plans and MGNREGA to foster holistic development and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rural areas. He emphasized that such integration would lead to more efficient resource utilization and the creation of tangible assets for the welfare of the people.
Nida Rafiq, Thematic Expert, Department of Panchayati Raj, J&K, provided an overview of the process for preparing thematic area-wise GPDPs. She elaborated on the issues, challenges, and strategies in preparing convergent GPDPs in the Union Territory (UT), along with the expectations from the line departments to facilitate the formation of integrated GPDPs.
Disha Gupta, Block Development Officer Kulwanta, delivered a presentation on the convergent plan under MGNREGA. Chief Planning Officer Udhampur Mohammad Iqbal gave a presentation on UT-funded schemes to be integrated with GPDP and the role of administrative departments.
