MAPUSA
In a major relief for rural citizens, the government has announced that all services of village panchayats will be made available online, with payments processed digitally.
This move aims to eliminate the need for people to visit panchayat offices while ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while presenting the budget, allocated Rs 312.52 crore for the Panchayat Department and highlighted key initiatives to strengthen local governance.
In a significant decision, the government has increased the honorarium for panchayat members by Rs 1,000, while sarpanches and zilla panchayat members will receive an additional Rs 2,000.
The Chief Minister also assured that the recruitment process in panchayats will be made more transparent and merit-based through necessary reforms.
To support weaker panchayats, the government has earmarked Rs 8 crore, while Rs 31 crore has been allocated for developing panchayat infrastructure.
Grants to local institutions will be distributed equitably and efforts will be made to implement reforms and enhance revenue generation.
Under the Deendayal Infrastructure Development Scheme, Rs 5 crore has been allocated for projects such as panchayat offices, community halls and markets under the Swayampurna initiative.
Similarly, Rs 20 crore has been set aside for the development of infrastructure under Zilla Panchayats.
As part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), Rs 34.33 crore has been allocated for waste management at the village panchayat level and the construction of bio-digester toilets for individual households in rural areas at subsidized rates. Additionally, village panchayats have been entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining and conserving natural resources to promote rural tourism.
