Tree Plantation Is Not a Formality, But a Foundation of Rural Stability: Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar Calls for Active, Self-Reliant, and Transparent Gram Panchayats
Swachhta and Self-Reliance Will Define the New Identity of Gram Panchayats: Shri Rajbhar UP Panchayati Raj Minister Holds High-Level Review Meeting to Strengthen Rural Governance
Lucknow; July 5, 2025
Uttar Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar Ji conducted an extensive review meeting, on Saturday, at the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, Lucknow, along with zonal and district-level officers of the department. The agenda included progress on departmental schemes, budget utilization, and ongoing developmental works.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the Panchayati Raj Department in holistic rural development, the Minister issued clear instructions to ensure effective implementation of schemes, financial discipline, transparency, and greater public participation.
The Minister expressed concern over reports of Gram Panchayat buildings being found locked and directed that such situations would not be tolerated in the future. He stated, “These buildings should function as centers of public service and remain easily accessible and operational at all times.”
Shri Rajbhar further instructed that the leave information of Panchayat Assistants be mandatorily displayed on Panchayat building notice boards. Uniform painting of Panchayat Utsav Bhavans was also stressed to maintain a disciplined, clean, and aesthetically pleasing environment in the Panchayat campus.
The meeting also focused on environmental protection through the launch of a state-wide tree plantation drive. The Minister remarked that plantation should not be treated as mere formality but as a foundational pillar for ecological balance and the well-being of rural life.
During the review of the departmental budget, OSR (Own Source Revenue), and various Panchayati Raj portals, the Minister underscored the need to further strengthen financial discipline, transparency, and digitized operations.
Principal Secretary, Panchayati Raj, Shri Anil Kumar instructed all District Panchayati Raj Officers to ensure the timely preparation and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for various departmental schemes to their respective district panchayats. Emphasising the cases where land disputes are causing delays, he said, “Swift resolution should be prioritized so that proposals can be submitted promptly and project implementation can begin without further hindrance.”
Instructions were also issued to ensure quality and transparency in works executed under the Performance Grant. The Minister emphasized timely data entry from all districts on the SNA-SPARSH portal related to financial transactions, aiming to eliminate any possibility of irregularities or delays.
To further strengthen the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the Minister emphasized regular monitoring of community toilets’ cleanliness, implementation, and operations. He instructed that timely payments to Self-Help Groups and caretakers managing these toilets be made a top priority. The minister stated, “The credibility and hygiene infrastructure of Gram Panchayats can only be enhanced through self-reliance at the local level.”
While reviewing the implementation of Plastic Waste Management, Shri Rajbhar highlighted the need to transform this into a public awareness campaign at the Panchayat level. He also directed focused efforts on the Gobardhan Scheme and the scientific and commercial utilization of cow dung from Kanha Gaushalas. This includes setting up biogas plants, manufacturing organic fertilizers, and vermicompost.
“These initiatives will not only contribute to environmental conservation but also pave the way for economic self-reliance of Gram Panchayats,” said the minister, further instructing, “Income generated from the sale of compost or fertilizers should be regularly deposited in the respective Panchayat accounts and transparently utilized for rural development works.”
Director, Panchayati Raj, Shri Amit Kumar Singh assured that every directive given by Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar Ji will be executed with full commitment, ensuring thorough and faithful implementation at all levels.
It is to be mentioned that the meeting was attended by Deputy Directors of Panchayati Raj and District Panchayati Raj Officers.
