On August 18, the BJP commenced a ‘Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad’. Led by party president J P Nadda, the initiative aims to promote development in rural areas and ensure thorough coverage under government welfare schemes.
Spanning two days, this training event was geared toward elected district panchayat presidents and vice-presidents from central and western states. Over 125 of these leaders attended.
This isn’t the first time the party has held such an event. “We previously organised a ‘Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad’ in Surajkund for North India and in Howrah for East India. Now, Central and West Indian representatives are gathering in Daman,” stated Nadda. Highlighting the party’s commitment, the BJP president emphasised, “Our objective is to bring progress to rural areas and achieve full saturation of government welfare initiatives for the economically disadvantaged.”
Reiterating his dedication, Nadda cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative political approach. He mentioned the PM’s call for eradicating corruption, dynastic politics, and appeasement. “Under Modi’s guidance, our party is resolute in elevating those previously overlooked in societal progress,” he added. As a tribute to national martyrs, Modi introduced the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ initiative. Under this program, the BJP plans to transport soil from martyrs’ native villages to Delhi as an act of remembrance. Modi also virtually addressed the panchayat representatives during the training event. Nadda disclosed future plans: the BJP intends to host similar programs for elected officials of municipalities and municipal corporations.
PM Modi emphasises rural projects ahead of 2047
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has exhorted BJP’s Zila Panchayat members to amplify their developmental initiatives, aiming to kindle the “lamp of development in every village, tehsil, and district.” His vision is to steer India towards becoming a fully developed nation by its 100th Independence year in 2047. Speaking virtually at a “Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad”, which had representatives from states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, Modi reiterated that ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’ (Progress with everyone, development for everyone) isn’t just a catchphrase for the BJP but should be embodied in their daily endeavours. The conference, taking place in Dadar and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, saw the presence of BJP president J P Nadda during Modi’s discourse. Reflecting on his journey from a chief minister to the prime minister, Modi emphasised the pivotal role of local body representatives. He urged them to prioritise projects that cater directly to their respective villages and districts, underscoring the necessity of grassroots support. Recollecting his early initiatives post assuming the central office, Modi highlighted his focus on basic necessities: constructing toilets and facilitating bank accounts for the impoverished. With an emphasis on proactive governance, Modi encouraged Zila Panchayat members to identify and prioritise at least three projects annually. He accentuated the significant increment in funds allocated to local bodies, which have surged from Rs 70,000 crore to over Rs 3 lakh crore. “We’ve erected more than 30,000 Zila Panchayat buildings,” he noted, also suggesting that a fraction of the MNREGA budget be directed towards tangible asset creation. Highlighting BJP’s unwavering commitment, he pointed out the party’s workshops, clarifying that these aren’t merely electoral strategies but are genuine steps towards India’s developmental objectives. Modi also drew attention to the recently announced Vishwakarma scheme, initiated on India’s 77th Independence Day. This scheme focuses on recognizing and empowering traditional village artisans. Elaborating on the initiative, he said, “These artisans not only bolster the village economy through their work but also foster communal harmony and societal responsibility.” Modi divulged plans to assist these artisans through skill development and provision of other crucial resources. The official launch of the scheme is slated for a grand event on September 17.