Strong panchayat leadership vital for village development: Jai Ram Thakur

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Former Himachal CM urges newly elected representatives to focus on basic amenities, public service

Manali, September 8

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Monday said strong and accountable leadership at the panchayat level was essential for the overall progress of villages.

Addressing a felicitation programme for newly elected panchayat representatives at Kala Kendra in Banjar, Thakur said panchayats were the “first school of democracy” and key units of rural administration.

He said elected representatives had a responsibility to strengthen public trust through public service, adding that their direct connect with villagers enabled them to understand local problems and ensure that government schemes reached the grassroots.

Thakur urged the representatives to prioritise roads, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education and employment and work actively for the welfare of their respective areas.

The programme was organised by Banjar MLA Surender Shauri, who felicitated representatives from various panchayats in the constituency with mementos.

Shauri said the event was an expression of respect for representatives elected by the people and a commitment to work with them. Public works would be undertaken in coordination with panchayats and local representatives, he added.

The MLA further said politics should be about serving people and resolving their problems rather than seeking power, urging the representatives to work without discrimination and focus on local needs and the welfare of all sections of society.

State BJP vice-president Bihari Lal Sharma, Zila Parishad member Kusum Lata Deepak and several party office-bearers and workers were present at the event.