TAWANG, 14 Oct: The State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), in collaboration with the District Panchayati Raj department, Tawang, organized an orientation programme on the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and XVI Finance Commission Grants for newly elected Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members of Tawang district here on Wednesday.

The objective was to build the capacity of elected representatives in grassroots governance, participatory planning, financial management, and the effective utilisation of Finance Commission grants for rural development.

Addressing the participants, deputy commissioner Namgyal Angmo said that strengthening PRIs is a collective responsibility.

Highlighting the significance of the programme, the DC expressed hope that it would help PRI members better understand and discharge their roles and responsibilities. It would also benefit the concerned government officials by providing them an opportunity to learn from the resource person and gain fresh perspectives on rural governance, the DC said.

While acknowledging that several members had prior experience and a sound understanding of their duties, she described the programme as a valuable refresher course that would also provide an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, clarify doubts, and exchange ideas with the resource person.

She urged all participants to remain attentive, actively engage in the sessions, and seek clarification on any issues requiring further understanding.

ADC-cum-district Panchayati Raj development officer (DPDO), Tawang, Rinchin Leta also addressed the participants.

Resource person and course director Dr.Mihin Lali conducted the training sessions, focusing on key aspects of Gram Panchayat Development Plan preparation and the effective implementation of rural development initiatives. The programme chaired by the DC was attended by Zilla Parishad chairperson Leki Gombu, all the six ZPMs and PRI members from across the district. (DIPRO)