The Jharkhand government on Friday reiterated its focus on decentralised governance and rural development as Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Dipika Pandey Singh addressed a Panchayat Incentive Awards ceremony and Mukhiya conference in Ranchi.
The event, held at the Harivansh Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium, saw incentives being distributed to performing gram panchayats, gram sabhas, panchayat samitis and zila parishads for their contribution to rural governance.
Addressing representatives, Hemant Soren said village development remains central to the state’s progress and called for stronger coordination between elected representatives and officials to ensure effective delivery of welfare schemes. He also urged panchayats to prioritise water conservation measures and explore solar power generation to boost rural incomes.
Dipika Pandey Singh highlighted the role of mukhiyas as the key link in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, saying they are crucial in implementing government schemes at the grassroots. She said panchayats are receiving increased financial support, with Rs 412 crore in tied funds and Rs 555 crore in untied funds already released under the 15th Finance Commission, and additional allocations expected soon. Around Rs 600 crore is also likely to be provided through the State Finance Commission.
She added that panchayat buildings are now receiving monthly operational support of Rs 15,000, while digital systems are being introduced to improve service delivery.
The state also formalised an arrangement to extend Aadhaar-related services at the panchayat level, enabling residents to access facilities closer to home.
The Mukhyamantri Panchayat Protsahan Puraskar, introduced to promote performance-based governance, aims to recognise effective and transparent functioning of local bodies.
Senior ministers, legislators and panchayat representatives were present at the event.