Three-Day Workshop: Advancing SDGs through Socially Just Panchayats

On the second day of the three-day National Workshop organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Gram Panchayats, focusing on Theme 7: ‘Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats’, extensive discussions were held on strategic approaches to achieving SDGs at the Gram Panchayat level.

Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, addressed the National Workshop as keynote speaker, emphasizing the convergence approach and the ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-society’ strategy to advance action on the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) across thematic areas.

In his address, Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India highlighted the critical importance of ensuring economic and educational empowerment for every section of society in achieving comprehensive social security. He emphasized the need for enhanced convergence of Central and State Government Schemes related to social justice at the Gram Panchayat level and stressed the importance of raising awareness among rural communities.

Shri Amit Yadav called for the active participation of Panchayats in the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) and stressed the necessity of invigorating Gram Sabhas to ensure the participation of all sections of society.

As the workshop entered its second day at Patna in Bihar, deliberations intensified on strategies to achieve SDGs at the grassroots level in rural areas across the country. The inaugural session of the day focused on the ongoing works, schemes, and innovative initiatives in the domain of social security in Bihar. Shri Anand Sharma, Director, Panchayati Raj, Government of Bihar, delivered an insightful presentation on Panchayati Raj schemes pertaining to social justice and socially secured Panchayats. This was followed by Shri Kaushal Kishore, Director, ICDS, Government of Bihar, who elucidated on child protection measures. UNICEF representative Shri Abhay Kumar then expounded on the crucial role of Child-friendly Panchayats in achieving social justice and security in rural areas.

Shri David Kumar Chaturvedi, Joint Director, Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Bihar, presented on the pivotal role of the Mukhyamantri Gramin Peyjal (Quality Affected Areas) Nishchay Yojana in providing essential services such as tap water to every household. He highlighted the remarkable progress made, noting that the percentage of rural households with tap connections in Bihar has surged from a mere 2% in 2014 to an impressive 99% today, thanks to the successful implementation of the scheme.

Smt. Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, Additional CEO, Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (JEEViKA), Government of Bihar, made a presentation on women’s economic empowerment through the Self-Help Group model. Prof. S. P. Singh, Chair Professor at Chanakya National Law University Patna, Bihar, shared insights on the topic ‘Gram Kachahari: Justice at the Gram Panchayat Level’. The morning session concluded with closing remarks by Shri Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Panchayati Raj Department, Bihar.

In a novel approach to problem-solving, Panchayat representatives from various States were organized into seven Groups. These Groups were tasked with developing precise strategies through collaborative discussions to create Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats. They were also assigned with identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and formulating action plans related to this theme. All Groups presented their suggestions and strategies on the second day, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.

On Day 2 of the three-day National Workshop, participants were provided with a platform to learn, unlearn, and relearn strategies to realize the vision of Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats. The day’s proceedings were marked by comprehensive discussions on various facets of ensuring social justice and security for all segments of rural society. The carefully curated sessions, characterized by their interactive nature and featuring a panel of key stakeholders, provided an invaluable platform for participants to engage in mutual learning through the exchange of experiences and best practices.

The Patna Workshop saw the participation of over 900 participants, including Elected Representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions from different States and UTs, senior officials from Central Government Ministries/ Departments, and State Governments, as well as representatives from NIRD&PR, SIRD&PR, Panchayati Raj Training Institutes, NGOs, and UN agencies. This diverse assemblage of key stakeholders promises to contribute to a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to achieving the objectives of the National Workshop. On the final day of the workshop, participants from across the country will undertake field visits to Gram Panchayats in Bihar that have excelled in the theme of “Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats”.

The event was graced by the presence of senior officers, including Shri Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Panchayat Raj Department, Bihar; Shri Vikas Anand, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Shri Vipul Ujwal, Director, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; and Shri Anand Sharma, Director, Panchayati Raj Department, Bihar.

Background:

Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in close collaboration with the Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Bihar, is organizing a three-day National Workshop on the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Gram Panchayats through Thematic Approaches. The workshop, focusing on Theme 7: ‘Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats’ commenced on 10^th September, 2024, and will conclude on 12^th September, 2024.