(a) whether the Government has taken note of the importance of imparting quality training to the elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayats in the wake of increase in public expenditure through panchayats;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any measure to ensure that better training is imparted to the elected representatives and equip them with proper use of technology; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)
(a) & (b) Yes. There has been significant increase in public expenditure through Panchayats, including large devolution of funds to Gram Panchayats under 14th Finance Commission awards, which are required to be utilised through preparation of appropriate plans by Gram Panchayats i.e. Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). In this context, the importance of quality training to all stakeholders of Panchayats has increased substantially, since all Elected Representatives (ERs) and Functionaries of Panchayats need to be oriented regarding their roles on participatory planning by Gram Panchayats. Therefore, the government has proactively supported the states in formulation of state specific GPDP guidelines and for Capacity Building & Training (CB&T) of the stakeholders of Panchayats through funding support to States for quality training with special emphasis on GPDP, exposure visits, innovative training etc. under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and sharing of best practices across states.
(c) & (d) The government has consistently impressed upon the States / UTs to adopt new and innovative best practices and also leverage technology for maximum outreach for Capacity Building of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Use of SATCOM for distance training is supported under RGSA. States/ UTs have been advised to include modules on subjects of national importance such as water conservation, health, sanitation, less-cash transactions etc in their trainings for ERs and Functionaries of Panchayats. Exposure visits of ERs and panchayat functionaries to Panchayats with best practices are promoted to enhance motivation and learning. Trainings are conducted for Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) applications developed by the ministry to cater to various aspects of Panchayats’ functioning including planning, budgeting, implementation, accounting, monitoring, social audit delivery of citizen services.
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