Craft out best training module for Panchayat representatives : CS

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 15: To provide timely support and training required to perform their tasks and to upgrade the information and skill level of the elected Panchayat representatives, the High Powered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary Madhav Lal, Tuesday directed for crafting out the best learning module and material given the nature and demand of the job.
Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ashok Kumar Angurana, was also present in the meeting.
The Chief Secretary said that a significant number of elected representatives have to work in the public domain for the first time and are expected to face formidable challenges while delivering their functions. Their knowledge and skill level together with building the right mindset to carry them out should be kept in mind while framing the ‘State Action Plan for capacity building and training of Panchayat Raj Functionaries’.
The committee also recommended consulting experts while framing the Action Plan and roping in NGOs to fast track the entire capacity building and training schedule. “In addition to the 400 departmental resource persons already trained for providing training to the elected representatives, additional 1000 trainers can be provided by inviting independent resource persons and NGOs who will select these trainers locally so that a broad based training programme is developed”, the committee emphasised.
Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj with the active assistance of IMPA are mandated for capacity building and training of Panchayat functionaries and to frame the State Action Plan for the purpose.
The trainee has to go through many stages namely, Foundation, Functional, Sectoral and Refresher courses in order to understand local self governance mechanism with their respective roles. It also involves acquainting them with various flag ship programmes and community participation and basic knowledge about preparation of plans, property and finance, social audit, budget formulation, preparation of cashbook, bank reconciliation, maintenance of accounts, preparation of final accounts, auditing etc.
Principal Secretary Planning and Development B.B.Vyas, Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Suresh Kumar, Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners and other officers were also present in the meeting.