HT Correspondent
NALBARI, Oct 9: The first Gaon Pradhan Conference, a pioneering event of its kind in the state, was conducted under the aegis of the district administration, Nalbari. The event, held under the close supervision of district commissioner, Nalbari, Varnali Deka, took place on October 5 & 6, 2024 at the Nalbari District Library Auditorium. It marked a significant milestone in the district’s efforts to engage rural grassroots leaders in government programs and public works. The event was organised by the Nalbari district administration in collaboration with the Extension Centre, State Institute of Panchayat & Rural Development, Nalbari, focusing on equipping gaon pradhans with essential knowledge on governance, rural development schemes, and effective community management. Resource persons from various departments oriented the gaon pradhans on a range of topics. More than 300 gaon pradhans attended the two-day training conference with great enthusiasm.
On the opening day of the conference, presentations covered key subjects including routine immunisation, CDR/MDR, various health schemes, flagship schemes of P&RD, hands-on training on disaster preparedness, flood preparedness, POSHAN, and Nasha Mukti Abhiyaan. Further topics included good agricultural practices, PHE schemes, and government beneficiary-oriented schemes like Orunodoi. These presentations provided the gaon pradhans with a clear understanding of important government activities and schemes they encounter while managing their responsibilities at the village level. On the second day of the conference, presentations were given on flood preparedness and related schemes by the Water Resource Department, road safety, ongoing ASLRM and SHG activities, best fish farming practices, animal rearing, and the distribution of animal feed and health services. A detailed presentation on the duties and responsibilities of gaon pradhans and Mission Basundhara was delivered by Nabajit Pathak, additional director of Land Records, providing valuable insights for the gaon pradhans.
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On the second day, the minister of PHE, Tourism, Skill Development, etc., to the government of Assam, Jayanta Mallabaruah, attended the program and interacted with the trainees on various relevant issues while emphasising their sense of responsibility as gaon pradhans. Speaking at the event, the minister stated that the gaon pradhan is an institution that the people look to in times of need or assistance, whether it’s related to a government scheme or an emergency situation. Therefore, a gaon pradhan must always be impartial in carrying out their duties. He further added that as the government continues with the concept of appointing village heads, now termed gaon pradhans, the responsibilities have also increased. He appealed to all to carry out their duties with utmost sincerity.
GD Tripathi, principal secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, government of Assam, graced the occasion as guest of honour. In his speech, he referred to the gaon pradhans as the eyes and ears of the government at the grassroots level and termed them a reliable liaison between the government and the public. He also emphasised their vital role in the primary implementation of Mission Basundhara and urged them to embrace modern technology for improved service delivery.
DC Nalbari, Varnali Deka, in her speech, highlighted the grassroots responsibilities of the gaon pradhans and the importance of their role in effective communication and coordination. She urged all gaon pradhans to stay updated on the latest developments regarding government schemes related to rural governance and to be prepared for prompt action during emergencies.
On the final day, top-performing gaon pradhans who excelled as surveyors during DCS Kharif 2024 were felicitated, and the play ‘Bridhyashram’ was staged.
District development commissioner Karmadev Brahma, ADCs Jonti Deka and Runav Ramchiary, assistant commissioner Bandeep Rabha, joint director of Health & Services Dr Kailash Deka, all concerned HODs and officials, and the trainee gaon pradhans attended the conference.
It is worth noting that the two-day conference concluded successfully, with rounds of appreciation and gratitude from the participants, who praised the efforts of the team behind this outstanding initiative.
Varnali Deka, DC Nalbari, expressed hope that such events would further inspire and energise grassroots workers to serve the public better and approach challenges in a problem-solving manner in today’s dynamic environment.
