Kullu, June 15
A swearing-in ceremony for newly elected panchayat pradhans and deputy pradhans was held at Atal Sadan in Dhalpur, Kullu, on Monday, where 484 representatives from across the district took the oath of office.
The ceremony was attended by Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chand Kumar, who administered the oath to the elected representatives and addressed them on the importance, powers, and functioning of the Panchayati Raj system.
Speaking at the event, Chand Kumar said that newly elected panchayat heads across Himachal Pradesh had taken oath on Monday and added that the Agriculture Department was releasing Rs 450 crore for panchayats.
He said the funds would be utilised for the construction of irrigation water tanks to ensure adequate water supply for farmers in every panchayat.
“The initiative will help provide sufficient water for irrigation purposes in rural areas,” the minister said.
Chand Kumar also credited former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for strengthening the Panchayati Raj system and empowering panchayat representatives with greater authority.
He said the funds allocated for village development were now being fully utilised and claimed that there was little scope for corruption in the system. According to him, panchayat pradhans and deputy pradhans were actively carrying out development works, including road construction, paved pathways, and other infrastructure projects.
The minister added that development activities in Himachal Pradesh villages would gain further momentum under the newly elected representatives.
Meanwhile, newly sworn-in panchayat pradhan Neeraj Kumar said he would make every possible effort to carry out development works in his panchayat.
“The people of the panchayat have shown faith in me. We will work with the administration to resolve local issues,” he said.
Baldev Raj, pradhan of Bandal Gram Panchayat in Kharahal Valley, said he would work in collaboration with other representatives to develop the village.
He stated that his panchayat was facing severe water shortages and that he would raise the matter with the administration to ensure adequate water for both drinking and irrigation.
