ITANAGAR, 20 Jun: The Quality Council of India(QCI), in collaboration with the State Institute for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), organised a programme titled ‘Gunvatta gram awards-cum-training on documentation of best practices of gram panchayats’ for the best gram panchayat chairpersons (GPC) of Arunachal Pradesh here on Friday.
“This collaborative effort was aimed at empowering and equipping local government leaders in instilling the necessary skills required by GPCs for documentation of the panchayat’s work as a prerequisite for improving public service delivery by the GP,” the SIRD&PR informed in a release.
In her inaugural address, RD&PR Secretary Dr Sonal Swaroop congratulated the nominated GPCs on obtaining the Gunvatta Gram Awards, and emphasised the importance of equipping the GPCs with knowledge on public relations and digital advancement. She further said that “effective information and communication for GPCs play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency.”
SIRD&PR Director Habung Lampung welcomed the GPCs from across the state and thanked the QCI and SIRD&PR Deputy Director Dr Likha Kiran for organising the awards and training programme.
A QCI team presented the sarpanch samvaad mobile application, a pioneering initiative aimed at building a community and network of 2.5 lakh sarpanchs to share best practices, obtain certificates through e-learning courses and also get their queries addressed through the mobile app and through its online programme such as samvaad se samadhaan.
Suresh Chhanga, former sarpanch of Kunariya gram panchyat in Bhuj district of Gujarat, provided a detailed overview of strategic communication, media relations and maintaining digital presence on social media and through websites or blogs for GPs, including creating logos and signages to promote the values that a GP stands for.
He also emphasised the role of women-led GPCs and how conducting mahila sabhas and bal sabhas promote participatory rural governance. He emphasised the role of documenting each and every activity of the GP, beginning with an annual calendar for planning all mandatory, voluntary and low-cost no-cost activities within the panchayats. He demonstrated his booklet, providing examples of presentation of the GP’s work in issuance of job cards, improving the status of health, his activity on social media, and maintenance of multiple registers.
The role of eGramSwaraj was discussed in ensuring transparency and accountability through planning, progress tracking, reporting and maintenance of records. Additionally, the participants were taught how to use Google Meet, a platform where persons can interact in real time and conduct meetings or attend webinars. One of the webinars is that of QCI through the sarpanch samvaad initiative.
Anil Rai, sarpanch of Barfung Jarrong gram panchayat in Namchi district of Sikkim, shared the best practices adopted in his GP to encourage and inspire the GPCs, and explained how having open communication with the public carries the true spirit of jan-pratinidhi.
Rai emphasised that GPCs must not only do good work but also showcase them on various platforms.
The interactive session concluded with the presentation of the Gunvatta Gram Awards provided to the GPCs nominated by their respective districts.
