NREGS Workers Are Workforce, Not Labourers: Pawan Kalyan

Vijayawada: Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has called for transformation of local bodies into robust governing institutions through reforms.

Addressing the National Panchayat Raj Day celebrations here on Thursday, he asserted that local governments must attain self-reliance and self-identity. Substantial reforms are essential within the Panchayati Raj and rural development sectors, he said.

"Panchayat Raj should evolve beyond the influences of politics, receiving the necessary funds directly," he stated, suggesting a shift in societal perception towards participants in NREGS works. He urged people to refer to them as 'workforce' instead of 'labourers'.

Pawan Kalyan, who heads the departments of Panchayat Raj and rural development, directed higher officials to adopt this change across the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister advocated a comprehensive audit of the properties, assets and lands under Panchayat Raj to ensure transparency and ownership. He called for the establishment of national integration grounds and pillars in every Panchayat to foster unity and showcase local heroes.

Kalyan reminisced about his attachment to village life and acknowledged the hurdles faced by the people in rural areas. He said significant budget allocations have been made to strengthen Panchayat Raj, including direct transfers from the 15th Finance Commission amount of Rs.1121 crore to empower villages economically.

"In the last nine months, we have expedited Rs.10,669 crore worth of projects in the Panchayat Raj and rural development sectors, with notable accomplishments across various developmental projects," he said.

He expressed his determination to create a framework for sustainable development in villages. “To achieve real autonomy, we must ensure that the Panchayats have land for future needs,” he said and recalled his personal experience wherein he had to spend his own money and buy land for sports facilities due to the lack of available Panchayat land.

Encouraging plantation initiatives to make India self-sufficient in timber, Pawan announced plans to support tree cultivation in various localities. This, he believes, would not only provide economic benefits to the Panchayats but also preserve foreign currency by reducing timber imports.

Kalyan emphasised the importance of fostering a sense of national unity within each Panchayat. He pledged to raise various issues, including increased honorariums for Sarpanches, in the assembly for discussion.

The event commenced with a tribute to the martyrs of the recent Kashmir terrorist attack by observing two minutes of silence. The best performance awards were presented to 74 officials and employees for their work excellence in the Panchayat Raj department.