Latest news with #GramPanchayat
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Maha govt approves construction of 500 new gram panchayat buildings
Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt has sanctioned the construction of 500 new Gram Panchayat office buildings under the Revised Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for the financial year 2025–26, with a total budget outlay of Rs324.28 crore. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Of these, 127 buildings will be constructed in Vidarbha, reflecting a significant push to strengthen rural governance infrastructure in the region. The approvals include 73 buildings in the Amravati Division (covering Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Buldhana, and Washim) and 54 in the Nagpur Division (including Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Wardha), giving Vidarbha one of the largest regional shares under the scheme. The state's decision follows the approval of the annual action plan by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) in May 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen rural governance by creating proper administrative infrastructure in villages where existing Gram Panchayat buildings are either unavailable, unsafe, or in a dilapidated condition. The scheme mandates that selected villages must have a population of over 3,000 and lack a viable panchayat building or operate from structurally compromised premises, as per a GR dated July 18. Under the funding structure, 60% of the cost will be borne by the central govt and 40% by the state. Each approved panchayat will receive Rs25 lakh — Rs20 lakh for the construction of the office building and Rs5 lakh for an adjoining Citizen Service Centre (CSC room), which will house digital and public utility services. The state govt has directed the respective Zilla Parishads and district administrations to begin construction immediately after land and legal clearances. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Locations must be free of legal disputes and under full ownership of the Gram Panchayat. The directive also stresses the importance of transparency, mandating standardised building plans, cost boards, and completion monitoring at the district level. The RGSA, first launched as a restructuring of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan, aims to build institutional capacity at the grassroots and strengthen decentralised governance. With this phase of approvals, Maharashtra hopes to accelerate rural development by creating functional spaces for panchayat operations, grievance redressal, and citizen outreach. The scheme will be monitored by the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, Pune, which will oversee fund disbursal and ensure timely completion of the works through regular field reports.
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Kerala High Court: Stray dog attacks must be treated like wild animal threat
The Kerala High Court expressed strong concern over the growing menace of stray dog attacks in the state, while hearing a writ petition filed by a law student who was bitten by a stray dog. The petitioner sought implementation of Animal Birth Control Rules in light of the increasing number of the proceedings, the court directed sharp remarks at an animal lover who had joined the group opposing the plea. 'Will give you all stray dogs, you can take care of them,' the court remarked, asking the person to suggest solutions to address the crisis. The bench said one can understand the pain only after being bitten by a dog or losing someone to such an incident. 'Animals have legal rights. But human rights are above all,' the High Court court noted with concern that even vaccinated children had died of rabies, and stressed that the matter called for urgent and practical solutions. 'Stray dog attacks should be considered like wild animal attacks. We have to find a solution. Humans and animals should co-exist,' the court said. A single bench led by Justice CS Dias also stated orally that responsibility for dog attacks must be fixed. 'If a human attacks an animal it is an offence, similarly, when an animal attacks the human the custodian is charged with an offence.' The court added that if dogs attack humans, the Secretary of the Gram Panchayat, who is in charge of the dogs, should be held accountable. However, the court clarified that euthanasia was not a Kerala High Court accepted the state government's suggestion to set up an interim committee, under the court's supervision, to tackle the issue. The court also called upon the state to frame legislation for the creation of a permanent body to address stray dog court directed the Director General of Police to inform how many First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in relation to such attacks in the past year. The Chief Secretary has also been asked to file an affidavit listing the number of deaths and the compensation paid to matter has been posted for further hearing on August 4.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Kerala
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Rejuvenating Rajasthan's water bodies: The story of Purani Nadi
In the heart of Jaipur's Tunga block, the village of Peelarama has rewritten its water story through the revival of its centuries-old pond, Purani Nadi. What set Purani Nadi's transformation apart was the extent of community involvement and speed of implementation. In just two weeks, 10,100 cubic metres of silt were excavated using two machines, one of which the Gram Panchayat funded. Of this, 7,064 cubic metres were used for public infrastructure works such as bunding of waterbodies, levelling of kuccha roads (unpaved roads) and community spaces, while 3,036 cubic metres of fertile silt were voluntarily carted by farmers to enrich their fields. The impact of this swift, participatory effort was tangible (real) Jagdish Kumar, a farmer who transported 50 trolleys of silt to his fields, shares, 'The silt from Purani Nadi has transformed my field. My wheat and mustard crops grew taller and healthier. I used nearly 50% less chemical fertilisers and water, thanks to the moisture and fertility retained in the silt.' Jagdish also applied the silt around his fruit trees, blending it with compost. He says, 'There's a visible improvement in fruit size, colour, and yield especially in guava, papaya, and pomegranate. I feel more confident now to try new horticulture crops.' He is now experimenting with papaya, pomegranate, and Thai apple. Encouraged by this early success, the community pushed further, requesting an additional 5,000 cubic metres of desilting the next year to enhance year-round water retention. The community's proactive approach led to co-created design to protect and provide easy access to livestock. Today, over 900 residents and their livestock in Peelarama and the neighbouring village rely on this pond. Improved irrigation application of fertile silt has allowed a few farmers to shift from double to triple cropping near the waterbody. Women, who played an active role in the initiative, now gather at the pond for prayers and to ensure its ongoing sustenance. Peelarama's transformation is more than a local success story—it is a model for rural water stewardship. It demonstrates the power of community ownership, corporate social responsibility, and responsive local governance in tackling India's water crisis. The Rejuvenation of Waterbodies (RWB) Model: Enabling Water Security at scale The model is not Jaipur-specific and has in fact been successfully implemented across Rajasthan. Since 2021, organisations like ATECF, TCHFL, Indira Foundation, Caring Friends, NITI Aayog, local NGOs, and village communities have together rejuvenated over 1,100 waterbodies across 12 districts in Rajasthan – with 9% of the waterbodies rejuvenated under the NITI Aayog Aspiration Districts Programme. These efforts have added an estimated 1,191 crore litres of surface water storage (equivalent to over 10 lakh water tankers) and improved water access for nearly 1.7 million people in 1,700 villages. Around 2,000 farmers have carted and applied silt to their fields, turning previously barren land arable, improving yields, and increasing income. Nand Lal, a farmer from Shahabad village in Baran district, Rajasthan, shares: 'My 1.5-acre farmland was rocky and barren. After applying 50 trolleys of silt, I've grown coriander and expect at least ₹15,000 more in annual income, due to better yields.' This model is fundamentally community-led, cost-effective, and time-efficient. It focuses on reviving existing water bodies using machine-led desilting to increase surface storage and recharge groundwater where feasible. The model also leverages technology for site identification, prioritization, and real-time monitoring. 'There is immense potential to scale this work through public-private partnerships,' says Amrtha Kasturi Rangan, Head of the Water and Agriculture Vertical at A.T.E. Chandra Foundation. 'This initiative answers Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi's call to 'catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls' and could be replicated across Rajasthan's ~50,000 waterbodies, benefiting 26,000 villages and creating an additional 33,210 crore litres of surface water storage,' she adds. The pond today stands rejuvenated, thanks to a collaborative effort by the Community, Dhara Sansthan (local NGO), Tata Capital Housing Finance Limited (TCHFL) and A.T.E. Chandra Foundation (ATECF) between 2023-25, under a broader initiative to restore 194 waterbodies across seven blocks of Jaipur district. The Path Ahead: Realising Jal Suraksha through Jan Bhagidari With the launch of Mukhyamantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan (MJSA) 2.0, Rajasthan has a unique opportunity to scale this model. At a cost of ₹31 per cubic meter for excavation and with up to 60% savings through community-led silt transportation the economics are sound. Organizations like ATECF and Piramal Foundation are ready with the technical tools and expertise required to implement the model at scale. This model works successfully when implemented by the government as well. States like Maharashtra, and agencies like NITI Aayog, have already incorporated elements of this model into government schemes, emphasising community participation and technology-led monitoring. For Rajasthan, water security is not only an environmental concern—it is central to agricultural productivity, rural development, and economic resilience. The evidence is clear, the model is proven, and the resources are available. Peelarama's story shows what is possible when people and partnerships come together. If adopted across the state, Rajasthan can lead the way in achieving 'Jal Suraksha through Jan Bhagidari.' (transl. Water protection through people's participation) (Moumita Mukherjee is a Deputy Manager with the Water & Agriculture vertical at the A.T.E. Chandra Foundation)
Hans India
5 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Collector Santosh Orders Swift Action on Indiramma Housing Scheme — Warns Officials Over Delays
Gadwal: Gadwal District Collector B.M. Santosh has issued strict orders to officials to work with sincerity and urgency at the field level to ensure visible progress in the construction of Indiramma housing units. The Collector conducted a review meeting on the progress of the Indiramma housing scheme on Friday at the IDOC Conference Hall. During the meeting, he expressed serious concern over the slow pace of construction, stating that although 7,000 Indiramma houses have been sanctioned in the district, only 543 houses have reached the basement level so far. He emphasized that any form of lethargy in executing the housing project will not be tolerated. Despite regular reviews and clear directions aimed at achieving set targets, the Collector noted that some officials were acting negligently, which would no longer be accepted. He warned that stringent action will be taken against officials failing to deliver tangible progress in housing construction. Key Directions from the Collector: The district should strive to be among the top 10 districts in the state in implementing the housing scheme. Panchayat Secretaries, Assistant Engineers (AEs), and Ward Officers were instructed to visit the construction sites, monitor progress, and motivate beneficiaries to expedite construction. Immediate marking of house sites, commencement of basement work, and uploading of photographs during each visit were mandated. Construction status must be updated regularly, ensuring complete transparency and real-time tracking. The required sand and soil for housing construction will be available in all mandals from Monday, ensuring no material shortages delay the work. All Municipal towns and Gram Panchayats are to complete online registration of beneficiary details on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin portal. Additional Topics Discussed: As part of the Vanamahotsavam (Tree Plantation) campaign, the Collector called for collective efforts to plant saplings in the district to meet pre-set targets. Department-wise responsibilities were assigned, and officials were directed to complete plantation drives in Municipal and Gram Panchayat limits. With the ongoing rains in the district, the Collector stressed the importance of maintaining public hygiene to prevent the spread of seasonal diseases. Officials were asked to ensure that water does not stagnate on roads or in potholes, which could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors. Meeting Participants: Additional Collector Narsing Rao Special Deputy Collector Srinivasa Rao AD Mines Venkata Ramana Housing PD Kashinath MPDOs from all mandals Municipal officials This high-level review signals the administration's strong commitment to both affordable housing for the poor and environmental and public health safety through coordinated governance and accountability.
News18
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
This Sarpanch Is Going Viral On Instagram And Panchayat May Be The Reason
A sarpanch's reels are going massively viral on Instagram. Here's why. A sarpanch exhibiting the work he has done for the community has earned him millions of views on Instagram. Ravi Sarpanch, a low-key account on Instagram, regularly shares reels of the development he's brought to a village named Jhanda Khurd Village in Punjab's Sardulgarh. The reels follow a similar pattern, showing before vs after the job is done. From fixing roads to tidying up dirty streets to clearing trash to making a maidan look accessible, Ravi Sarpanch is doing his job right, and it shows in whatever content he has shared with his followers. Sarpanch Sarpanch or Pradhan is the elected head of a village, who runs the local-level governing body called the Gram Panchayat. He or she is tasked with governing the village. They oversee the development of the village, work in tandem with the administration, and ensure community welfare by hearing out and resolving the day-to-day issues that may arise. Panchayat Effect? TVF's blockbuster series Panchayat which recently premiered its fourth season on Amazon, has tugged at the heartstrings of Indian viewers who have found an escape from their chaotic lives and found peace in the quaint and fictional village of Phulera. The show stars Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, and Chandan Roy in the lead. Panchayat takes you on a journey of everyday issues – small and big – faced by the villagers and the path it takes to solve those problems. Broken roads, electricity cuts, non-allotment of houses under the government scheme, to name a few. Ravi, a sarpanch possibly inspired by the show, uses the Panchayat title track as the background score for all his reels, showcasing the development work he has done for his community in his village. Viral Reels From the looks of it, the Instagram account is run by the Sarpanch's son. Although only a handful of reels showing the village's development exist on the page, the videos have managed to generate millions of views. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ravi Achera (@ravi.__sarpanch) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ravi Achera (@ravi.__sarpanch) Social Media Reactions The reels posted by Ravi Sarpanch have been picked up by the algorithm lords of Instagram, enabling them to reach millions of viewers who have come to the comments section to appreciate the man doing the work for his community. The words of praise are often laced with a pinch of humour. 'We got kaam krne wala sarpanch before GTA 6," wrote one user. 'Har gao ka sarpanch agar aisa kaam kare to kya hi baat hai par koi karta nahi." 'Hamara neta kaisa ho ravi bhai jaisa ho." 'Bro is building next capital of India." 'Aisa sarpanch mujhe apne gaon me chahiye." top videos View all 'My village sarpanch told it's AI." 'The politician we need." About the Author Anurag Verma Anurag Verma, News Editor at works independently for the Viral section. Bollywood, Cricket, Science, Tech, YouTube, Reddit, Meme Origins and everything Pop-culture are his forte. He covers More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : panchayat view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 22, 2025, 16:40 IST News explainers This Sarpanch Is Going Viral On Instagram And Panchayat May Be The Reason Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
