Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik has written a letter to all Sarpanches across Odisha, calling for special Gram Sabha meetings that are meaningful, citizen-centric, and highly participatory.
Rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of ‘Gram Swaraj’, the Minister highlighted the importance of active community participation in identifying local problems, pressing needs, development possibilities, and community priorities. He urged local leaders to utilize the ‘People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27’ to ensure public feedback serves as the primary foundation for formulating Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP).
A key highlight of this year’s special Gram Sabha will be the celebration of ‘Reform Utsav.’ Minister Naik advised Sarpanches to focus discussions on various government welfare schemes, key reform initiative outcomes, and rural development goals while ensuring a proactive role for villagers in the decision-making process.
