Dir Panchayati Raj reviews progress on Model GP clusters in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 22: Director of Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, held a meeting with Assistant Commissioners Panchayats (ACPs) to review the progress of the “Project for Creating 250 Model Gram Panchayat (GP) Clusters” in Jammu and Kashmir. Six clusters have been designated in Anantnag, Samba, Kupwara, Jammu, Reasi, and Udhampur districts.This initiative, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), aims to transform selected GPs into models of self-governance by implementing structured development plans, encouraging citizen participation, adopting digital governance, promoting gender inclusion, and ensuring the convergence of various schemes. Lal called for timely reporting and urged officials to adopt a systematic approach to strengthening these model GPs. He highlighted the need to integrate convergence strategies and address gaps identified through the Panchayat Assessment Index (PAI), with a focus on comprehensive planning and scheme convergence to make these clusters replicable models.The Director directed officials to identify and address gaps in GP development plans at both district and panchayat levels, encouraging detailed reporting on how these gaps could be filled through development schemes. He stressed the importance of forward-looking planning, saying what could be done immediately and what should be planned for the future. Lal also called for wider consultations with district officers, ACPs, and stakeholders to ensure that GPDPs align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He called for participatory planning involving young professionals (PRAs) and local stakeholders to create a clear and holistic roadmap for Panchayat development.The review also covered the deployment and functioning of Panchayati Raj Associates (PRAs). While PRAs have been deployed in Anantnag, Kupwara, Jammu, and Udhampur, vacancies in Samba and Reasi remain unfilled, which has hampered progress in those areas. The Director highlighted achievements across districts, saying the Model GP Clusters are not merely pilot projects but are essential blueprints for strengthening grassroots democracy. The project, initially piloted by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) from October 2021 to December 2024, has been directly implemented by MoPR since January 2025 through State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Institutes of Rural Development, State Programme Coordinators, and PRAs.Currently, 62 PRAs and four SPCs are active across 223 GPs in 18 states and one Union Territory, with plans to expand to 250 clusters covering 1,100 GPs across 28 states and four Union Territories.