DC Samba Inaugurates District Level Workshop on Panchayat Development Plan and MGNREGA Convergence

The Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Jammu & Kashmir, organized a District Level Workshop on Panchayat Development Plan and MGNREGA Convergence at the Conference Hall in Samba. 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).

The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Mehmood Riaz, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Samba, who highlighted the critical need for convergence between Panchayat Development Plans and MGNREGA. He emphasized that such integration would lead to more efficient resource utilization and comprehensive rural development.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Samba, Mr. Abhishek Sharma, inaugurated the workshop and delivered the keynote address. In his speech, he underscored the importance of convergence in rural development schemes. Mr. Sharma noted that MGNREGA, being a demand-driven scheme, requires careful maintenance of material and labor ratios to ensure accelerated poverty alleviation and asset building. He also stressed the need for Gram Sabhas to prioritize the participation of women and marginalized sections of the community.

Ms. Nida, Thematic Expert, Department of Panchayati Raj, J&K, gave an overview of the process for preparing thematic area-wise Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP). She further 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.

Ms. Monika Samyal, Project Officer (PO) Samba, delivered a presentation on the convergent plan under MGNREGA. Sanjeet Singh Jamwal, CIC Samba, presented on the significance of Participatory Development Initiatives (PDI) in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rural areas.

Chief Planning Officer Samba, Kasturi Lal, gave a presentation on UT-funded schemes to be integrated with GPDP and the role of administrative departments.

The workshop featured interactive sessions and presentations on best practices for the convergence of Panchayat Development Plans and MGNREGA. Participants included district officials, ACPs, BDOs, and POs from Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts who shared their experiences and insights on effective implementation strategies.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to discuss challenges and potential solutions for improving the synergy between the two programs. The Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj reaffirmed its commitment to fostering sustainable rural development through innovative and collaborative approaches.