Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday participated in the orientation programme of newly-elected members of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI members) and advised them to consider the village issues as their own problems and make sincere efforts to solve them.
Congratulating the newly-elected panchayat representatives, the Chief Minister said that this time the women had won the majority of the seats. This has made Biju Babu’s dream of women empowerment a reality.
Emphasising the importance of the panchayat in governance and development plans, the Chief Minister said that the panchayat is the center of service. He asked the elected representatives to see that the public should not be deprived of government schemes and services. He also advised them to protect the rights of the poor, the women, and the marginalised.
Advising to implement 5T initiative in the development of their village, Patnaik said that through it the change in the village and panchayat can become a role model for others.
Stating that the public has put their trust in them, he advised the PRI members to never let the people down and serve them considering their trust as a sacred responsibility. It will earn them places in the hearts of the people forever, added the Chief Minister.
Minister for Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Pratap Jena, who was present at the ceremony, highlighted the role of PRIs in the development of the state and the various developmental programs being taken up by the department.
Minister for Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Ranendra Pratap Swain, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Arun Sahoo, Minister for Mission Shakti Tukuni Sahu, and Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra were also present.
