Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged panchayat members to work with a five-year vision with concrete development plans to bring positive changes in the villages.
Addressing National Panchayati Raj Day function in New Delhi today, Mr Modi hailed the contribution of women in the functioning of Panchayats across the country and called for ending the practice of husbands of female Sarpanches exercising undue influence. The Prime Minister urged panchayat members to instil pride about the village.
He said this required a firm resolve rather than any budgetary provision. Mr Modi expressed concern over school dropouts and said that panchayats can play a big role in arresting the problem.
Mr Modi said issues such as education of children in the village and their vaccination should be given special attention by panchayat members. The Prime Minister pitched for a leadership role for elected village representatives to alleviate poverty and promote education.
He said, if one village brings out five persons out of poverty in a year then a big change will come in the country. He urged Panchayat members to motivate all Government officials in their village to spend at least one hour in a week for bringing a turn around in the village in all respects. On the occasion, the Prime Minister gave away the Annual Devolution Index Awards and e-panchayat awards to states.