THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 24: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday said that the state’s development depends on the progress of its villages, while addressing the “Chief Minister’s Panchayat Incentive Award Ceremony-cum-Mukhiya Conference 2026 (South Chotanagpur Division)” in Ranchi.
Awards to Top Panchayats
At the event held at Harivansh Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium, Khelgaon, the Chief Minister honoured top-performing Panchayats from across the state. Awards were given in categories such as Outstanding Gram Panchayat, Best Gram Sabha, and Clean & Healthy Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad, along with incentive grants worth crores.
Focus on Village-Centric Governance
Soren said that villages are the foundation of the state and strengthening them is key to overall development. He emphasised that public representatives at the Panchayat level play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of government schemes.
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On the occasion, a “Terms of Engagement” agreement with UIDAI was handed over, enabling Aadhaar-related services to be provided directly at Gram Panchayats through local centres, reducing the need for villagers to travel.
Call to Tackle Water Crisis
Highlighting summer challenges, the Chief Minister urged Panchayat representatives to prepare for water scarcity by promoting pond rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting and construction of soak pits near hand pumps to maintain groundwater levels.
Soren also encouraged villagers to install solar power plants on unused agricultural land, stating that the government would purchase the electricity, helping boost rural incomes and self-reliance.
He stressed better coordination between public representatives and citizens, calling for transparency, accountability and active engagement to ensure benefits reach the last mile.
The Chief Minister said recognising good work motivates others and promotes healthy competition among Panchayats, ultimately strengthening rural governance.
Several ministers, MLAs, senior officials and representatives from Gram Panchayats attended the programme.