Empowering Panchayats: An Outreach Workshop for Self-Reliance
On June 9, 2026, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, held a significant Outreach Workshop on the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme in Gandhinagar. The event drew participation from over 400 stakeholders, including senior officials, financial institution representatives, and 78 Panchayat leaders recognized for their achievements in generating Own Source Revenue (OSR).
The keynote address by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted the vision of Atmanirbhar Panchayats as essential contributors to the national agenda of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. He called attention to the critical role that grassroots governance plays in creating self-reliant and empowered communities, positioned to implement transformative changes at the local level.
Bharadwaj urged Panchayat leaders to embrace innovative strategies and decisive actions that can resonate positively within their constituencies. He emphasized the notion that true leadership is measured by the legacy that leaders leave behind, encouraging those in attendance to see themselves as change agents working towards a self-sufficient future that aligns with the aspirations for a developed India by 2047.
Shri Dhananjay Dwivedi, Principal Secretary of the Gujarat Panchayat, Rural Housing and Rural Development Department, reinforced the importance of financially empowered Gram Panchayats as the backbone of India’s journey towards self-reliance. He advocated for increased Own Source Revenue, reduced dependency on external grants, and improved government fund management, promoting a culture of learning from successful Panchayat models in the state.
Dr. Gaurav Dahiya, Additional Development Commissioner of Gujarat, contributed to the dialogue by stressing the importance of robust financial frameworks akin to those seen in Gujarat’s municipal corporations. He encouraged Panchayat representatives to develop innovative solutions for effective governance.
In a show of support for local governance, Dr. Pradeep Parate from NABARD noted that rural communities are pivotal to the nation’s development. He expressed the commitment of NABARD to assist Gram Panchayats in implementing viable revenue-generating projects aimed at ensuring financial sustainability.
The workshop also featured Shri Vimal Kumar from HUDCO, who reiterated the organization’s commitment to support Panchayati Raj Institutions through technical and financial assistance.
Participants were introduced to the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme’s framework during a comprehensive presentation by the technical team from the Ministry. A live demonstration of the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Portal was conducted, guiding attendees through its features to facilitate efficient digital implementation.
An interactive question-and-answer session led by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj allowed participants to voice their queries and engage in fruitful discussions, fostering an environment of knowledge-sharing and collaborative learning.
The workshop ultimately served as an important platform aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Panchayats, aligning them with the goals of self-reliance and vibrant local governance across India.
The Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme is strategically designed to support Gram Panchayats in undertaking financially viable projects, ensuring sustainability through community involvement and collaboration with private and governmental resources.
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