Bihar's Panchayati Raj Minister, Deepak Prakash, launched a sharp critique against opposition parties during his one-day visit to Buxar district on Saturday. He asserted that leaders from rival camps have "disappeared from the field," suggesting they lack both substantive issues and the courage to engage with the public.
On Governance and Grassroots Work
Speaking to reporters, Minister Prakash contrasted the opposition's approach with the state government's actions. He accused the opposition of being confined to mere rhetoric while the Nitish Kumar-led administration was actively working at the grassroots level. When questioned about internal dissent within his own party, the minister declined to comment, stating that such matters were for the party leadership to address. He emphasized he would only respond to queries pertaining to his department.
Review Meeting and Directives
The core purpose of Prakash's visit was to chair a review meeting for the Panchayati Raj department with district and block-level officers. The session involved a thorough assessment of panchayat functioning, scheme implementation, financial management, and service delivery on the ground.
The minister issued clear instructions to officials, stressing the need for timely delivery of benefits from government schemes. He issued a stern warning that any negligence or financial irregularities would not be tolerated. Prakash reiterated that the state government, under the Chief Minister's leadership, was prioritizing rural development and panchayat empowerment through regular monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability.
Key Announcements and Development Plans
One significant announcement involved plans to develop vacant land belonging to zila parishads to generate employment. Specifically for Buxar, the minister revealed that 129.64 acres of vacant land could be leased for commercial purposes such as shops, or potentially used for malls and residential projects.
Providing an update on infrastructure, Prakash noted that Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan buildings are being implemented in 119 out of the district's 136 panchayats. While 28 buildings are complete, 81 are under construction, and work has begun on 10 more. He directed officials to identify land for the remaining 17 panchayats by January 2024, cautioning that delays or substandard work would invite strict action.
Areas of Concern and Deadlines Set
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of progress in several key areas. He highlighted delays in:
- Solar light installation
- Implementation of Sixth and Fifteenth Finance Commission schemes
- Submission of utilisation certificates
- Gram Kachahari training programs
To address these bottlenecks, Prakash set clear deadlines for completion, ranging from January to June 2024. He instructed all concerned officers to address public complaints promptly and work with full dedication to strengthen the Panchayati Raj institutions across the district.
