Haryana to set up Gram Sachivalayas

Chandigarh, Feb 17: Haryana government has decided to set up 'Gram Sachivalayas' in the state to bring Gram Panchayat and village level functionaries of all departments under one roof.

The move is aimed for ensuring better functioning, coordination, efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the working of Gram Panchayat and other agencies engaged in the process of rural development, an official release said here on Tuesday.

Apart from this, 'Panchayat Ghar' in nearly 3,000 villages will be upgraded. The government has also decided to create 803 more posts of Gram Sachivs keeping in view the increasing function of Panchayats. A proposal to this effect has been approved by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

In the first phase, one 'Gram Sachivalaya' will be set up in each cluster. There are 6,645 villages in the state which have been clubbed in 2,294 clusters. Each cluster consists of 3-4 villages. Therefore, one village Secretariat in one cluster would be developed in the village having largest population.

Apart from this, Panchayat Ghar in nearly 3,000 villages will be upgraded. In village clusters which do not have a Panchayat Ghar, a new village Secretariat building will be constructed. Construction of new 100 'Gram Sachivalayas' will also be taken up in the village clusters where no such building exists.

As many as 2,294 'Gram Sachivalayas' will be set up over a period of three years and each will be set up over one acre of land at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh including the cost of furniture and fixture.

The 'Gram Sachivalayas' will facilitate devolution of functions, functionaries, and funds to the Gram Panchayats. Also, it would help timely redressal of public grievances by Gram Panchayat and other agencies, the release said.

The other objectives of 'Gram Sachivalayas' is to facilitate e-connectivity and to provide space for citizen services, among others.

PTI