Union Minister Rajiv Singh urges Panchayat representatives to achieve sustainable development goals in rural India

New Delhi [India], August 15 : Union Minister of Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh urged the representatives of Panchayati Raj to take the lead in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rural India.
According to an official release from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, "Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh urged the elected women representatives and elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and rural local bodies (RLBs) to take the lead in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rural India in a momentous event held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi on August 14."
To honour the Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) and Elected Representatives (ERs) invited as special guests to the Independence Day celebrations, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized a Felicitation Function yesterday.
The event took place at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, in the presence of Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Prof SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The event, marked by a spirit of empowerment and recognition, witnessed the felicitation of distinguished women leaders of Panchayats from across the country, whose exceptional contributions have brought pride and progress to their communities and constituencies.
Around 400 Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) and Elected Representatives (ERs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have been invited as Special Guests.
Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh acknowledged the special guests for their vital contributions to India's development journey.
In his keynote address, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the significance of women recognizing their inherent strength and potential.
He urged the women leaders to take full advantage of technological advancements, particularly the integration of eGram Swaraj-Bhashini, to enhance governance and public service delivery in rural areas.
"Create your identity on the basis of your work," he exhorted, highlighting that the true essence of leadership lies in action and impact.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh also lauded the Prime Minister's visionary decision to invite Panchayat representatives to the Independence Day celebrations in Delhi. He highlighted the central role of Panchayats in the resolution of a developed India.
He praised the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for its robust training and capacity-building initiatives, which have empowered Panchayat leaders with the administrative and technical skills necessary for effective governance.
"The sincere efforts of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj have made it possible for Panchayat representatives to receive training in premier institutions like Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)," he noted, urging continuous improvement in their skills to win the affection and trust of the people they serve.
While extending his best wishes for the 78th Independence Day, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh called upon Panchayats to establish themselves as strong pillars of democracy.
"The existence of Panchayats is constitutionally recognized; they are constitutional units. Therefore, their identity should be firmly rooted in their work," he added.
Singh reminded the attendees that the invitation to the Independence Day celebrations was extended in recognition of their exemplary work, a testimony to the crucial role they play in the nation's progress.
The highlight of the function was the felicitation of several distinguished women leaders of Panchayats by the Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Prof SP Singh Baghel.
The events on August 14, 2024, concluded with a strong message of unity, resolve, and a shared vision for a prosperous and inclusive India.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj reaffirmed its dedication to empowering women leaders and strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions, ensuring that the Ministry continues to serve as the foundation of India's democratic and developmental aspirations.