IEP Chandigarh
In a significant and proactive move to enhance the capabilities of Zila Parishads (ZPs), Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal said that the responsibility for the repair of link roads in six additional districts, namely Sonipat, Kaithal, Mahendergarh, Rohtak, Jhajjar, and Rewari, will be transferred to the Zila Parishads by the end of this year. Previously, this responsibility was overseen by the Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board (HSAMB).
The Chief Minister disclosed this during a meeting with the Chairpersons of Zila Parishads and Chief Executive Officers of Zila Parishads to review various developmental initiatives. Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Devender Babli also present in the meeting.
Earlier, the link road repair responsibility had been transferred from HSAMB to Zila Parishads in five districts — Yamunangar, Karnal, Palwal, Bhiwani, and Fatehabad — with process of repair work already underway. With the addition of these six districts, ZPs will be responsible for road repair in a total of 11 districts. This move reflects the State Government’s commitment to empowering Zila Parishads to undertake rural development projects more efficiently.
During the review of development progress, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal directed the CEOs of Zila Parishads to initiate the tendering process for the pavement of village phirnis in villages with a population of 5,000 or more by September 30, 2023.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of respecting and honoring the Chairpersons of ZPs, who play a crucial role as public representatives in the democratic setup. He clearly instructed the CEOs to relocate their offices from district Secretariats to ZP offices. In districts where ZP office buildings have already been erected, this directive should be promptly implemented. However, in cases where such infrastructure is yet to be established, CEOs are instructed to identify suitable land and submit proposals to the Head Office.
He also sought budget estimates for the current fiscal year from the CEOs of ZPs. The Chief Minister underscored that it falls within the purview of the Chairman of Zila Parishads to formulate their budgets and subsequently forward them to the government after gaining approval within the ZP House. This ensures that sufficient funds will be accessible to drive developmental initiatives in rural areas effectively.
He also encouraged them to construct Anganwari buildings wherever necessary and establish a dedicated unit in each district responsible for overseeing Anganwari Centers throughout the district.
He informed the installation of street lights in 750 villages with the highest population across the state. The budget has already been allocated to Zila Parishads for this initiative. Under this program, the five villages with the highest population in each block will soon receive street lights.
The Chief Minister pointed out that there are 144 blocks in the state and urged the CEO Zila Parishads to identify the block where even 10 e-libraries have not started. Requests for this purpose have been received through Jan Samvad, and we already have sanction to open 750 e-libraries.
During the review of Chaupals’ construction, Sh. Manohar Lal instructed the CEOs to conduct need-based surveys in their respective areas. He also directed them to initiate the process of beautifying or constructing walls for village ponds through the Zila Parishads. The Chairman and CEOs of Zila Parishads should collaborate to plan development activities in rural areas.
Speaking on this occasion, Development and Panchayats Minister, Sh. Devender Singh Babli, urged the CEOs to monitor the progress of development projects in their respective areas. He also expressed his intention to visit the entire state for this purpose.
Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. V. Umashankar, Director Rural Development Jai Krishan Abhir, OSD to Chief Minister Sudhanshu Gautam, Chairpersons and CEOs of Zila Parisahad and other officers were also present in the meeting.
