Thane Hosts Workshop To Strengthen Chief Minister’s Samruddha Panchayati Raj Abhiyan

Officials urge gram panchayats to focus on sustainable village development, community participation, and effective scheme implementation

A district-level workshop under the Chief Minister’s Samruddha Panchayati Raj Abhiyan was held on September 3, 2025, at B.J. High School auditorium, Tembhi Naka, Thane, with the aim of mobilizing a mass movement for rural development.

The workshop witnessed participation from Zilla Parishad officials, departmental representatives, and panchayat members, who discussed strategies to accelerate grassroots development. The key emphasis was on ensuring sustainable village growth, integrating flagship government schemes, and building stronger local governance structures.

Emphasis on timely execution and people’s participation

District Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal highlighted the need for gram panchayats to complete works related to PM Awas Yojana, water conservation, and revenue administration within stipulated timeframes. He urged Block Development Officers and Panchayat Secretaries to actively guide villagers about the schemes and ensure accurate record-keeping under MGNREGA, covering housing, veterinary clinics, and community assets.

He further stressed the importance of self-help groups, bamboo plantation initiatives, local market creation, healthcare facilities under Mission Kayakalp, and innovative projects such as solar lamps and e-libraries.

Strengthening grassroots institutions

Chief Executive Officer Rohan Ghughe underlined that real power of rural development lies in people’s participation. He called upon every gram panchayat to work decisively on schemes such as Swamitva Yojana, Mission Kayakalp, and livelihood initiatives. He urged local bodies to focus on resource mobilization, water supply, environment conservation, housing projects, and women’s empowerment.

The workshop covered diverse themes including good governance, convergence of schemes, social justice, institution building, and innovative practices. Guidance was provided on economic strengthening through self-funding, water conservation structures, and creating livelihood opportunities for farmers, women, and weaker sections.

Leaders and participants

Among the key speakers were retired Extension Officer Vikram Chavan and Indrajit Kale, Extension Officer, Bhiwandi Panchayat Samiti, who gave detailed guidance. The event was attended by senior officials including Project Director Chhayadevi Shisode, District Planning Officer Vaibhav Kulkarni, Additional CEOs Avinash Fadtare and Pramod Kale, Chief Finance Officer Vaijnath Buradkar, District Health Officer Dr. Gangadhar Parge, and Executive Engineer Padmakar Lahane.

Local representatives such as Kalher Sarpanch Ashlesha Pankaj Tare pledged efforts to ensure maximum participation of gram panchayats in the campaign.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Group Development Officer Pandit Rathod.