JAMMU: The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) Department commended the remarkable efforts of all 393 panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir for successfully organizing special Gram Sabhas on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The program focused on engaging tribal communities and strengthening their role in rural governance through capacity building sessions and training on the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
With an impressive participation of over 14,650 individuals, including tribal youth, women, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local leaders, the events emphasized inclusivity and community engagement. Besides, orientation sessions were held covering key topics such as Forest Rights Act (FRA), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Localization of SDGs (LSDGs), and the Panchayat Development Index (PDI).
On the occasion, the participants took pledges to promote drug-free and environmentally clean panchayats. A tree-planting initiative, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” honored special guests by planting fruit-bearing trees in their names. During the programme, the panchayats set up stalls showcasing services and programs from sectors like Health, Education, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Agriculture, providing valuable resources and information to the attendees. Besides, discussions centered on PDI scores, thematic pledges (Sankalp) and the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) for 2025–26.
Meanwhile, a live telecast by the Prime Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives for tribal empowerment, the recognition of forest rights and the welfare of indigenous communities. The celebrations also built on the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) campaign, launched on October 2, 2024, aimed at addressing gaps in tribal areas' social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood through 25 intervention schemes led by 17 Central Ministries.
Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, highlighted the strong turnout, particularly from tribal youth and women, as a reflection of the community's commitment to participatory governance. “Gram Sabhas across Jammu and Kashmir echoed a powerful message of unity, sustainability, and grassroots empowerment,” he added.
