Andhra govt strengthening Panchayati Raj system, Dy CM Pawan Kalyan calls it "backbone" of country

By Pramod Chaturvedi
Annamayya [Andhra Pradesh], (India), August 23 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, upholding the promises made during the Andhra Assembly polls, stated that his government is focused on transforming panchayats into self-reliant villages and strengthening the Panchayati Raj system, which he described as the "backbone" of the country.
While addressing a public rally in the Annamayya district, Kalyan said, "Our government's primary objective is to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system, which is the backbone of the country. The movie 'Rudraveena,' starring Chiranjeevi, is an example of how a Sarpanch can contribute to village development."
"A strong Panchayati Raj system can help clear debts worth thousands of crores. Maisuravari Palli is famous for its orchards and fertile soil. While some people think of Rayalaseema as a land of factionalism, it is actually a region known for its numerous libraries and educational institutions. The youth of Rayalaseema have a fighting spirit and the determination to achieve great things. We will fulfill our promises and work towards the development of this region," he added.
Further referring to the promises made to voters during the election campaign, Kalyan said, "In line with our promise, on the 23rd of this month, we will conduct village assemblies across the 13,326 panchayats in the state, an unprecedented event in the country. We will allocate Rs24,500 crores for 87 types of work aimed at village development, generate 9 crore workdays, and provide employment to 5.4 million families through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)."
"Our state was the second to implement the Panchayati Raj system in the country. With the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which granted constitutional status to panchayats, over three decades have passed. Now, with second-generation reforms, we are initiating a new phase of Panchayati Raj revolution right here in Andhra Pradesh," said Kalyan, highlighting the benefits of the Panchayati Raj system.
"For the past three decades, minor and major panchayats were given nominal amounts of Rs100 and Rs250, respectively, for Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. As part of our Panchayati Raj reforms, we are increasing these amounts to Rs10,000 and Rs25,000, respectively, demonstrating the sincerity of the NDA government," he further added.
As a continuation of these reforms, Kalyan emphasized, "We are organizing Grama Sabhas (village assemblies). A Grama Sabha is not merely about ten people gathering in one place; it involves taking responsibility for village development and ruling our villages ourselves. Gandhi Ji emphasized that the roots, vitality, and essence of our nation remain firmly anchored in our villages."
For the well-being of such villages, under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and the direction of the Panchayati Raj Department, Kalyan urged residents to participate in their respective Grama Sabha meetings to transform ordinary panchayats into self-reliant panchayats.
"I am inspired by Anna Hazare. I have mentioned many times in public meetings that CM Chandrababu Naidu's management is necessary for the state's development. We have reviewed various departments and identified deficits. CM Chandrababu Naidu is committed to his duties, and we are disbursing pensions on time without failure, even though we lack sufficient funds. I am a learner and do not feel guilty about learning from Chandrababu Naidu; his ideology is sound. I am ready to work for the development of the Rayalaseema region as a servant," added Pawan Kalyan.
Under the Panchayat of Railway Koduru, eight cents of government land is available. We need to consider what development can be achieved with that land. Panchayats should have playgrounds for the youth, but currently, no such facilities are seen. A new Goonda Act will be introduced to control land looting. We will take measures to develop Railway Koduru as a fruit capital and set up cold storage for the welfare of farmers. Just as Araku coffee is globally famous, we will develop Railway Koduru for its fruits," Pawan Kalyan further stated.
He also mentioned that four Grama Sabhas should be organized every year to discuss developments and progress. Residents of the panchayats should come together to discuss their needs and requirements for panchayat development. Citizen information boards should be placed for every completed work. Every panchayat in Andhra Pradesh should be transformed into a model village like Ralegan Siddhi.
A woman named Pagdala Lakshmi has requested me to establish a skill development university for the youth. I believe in Naari Shakti (women's power). Without women, the world would not survive. I will bring this to CM Chandrababu Naidu's notice. Women should step out and take the lead in resolving the problems of the panchayats."