CCTV cameras to be installed at all new Panchayat Bhawans across state: Minister

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh today said CCTV cameras were being installed in all new Panchayat Bhawans across the state to enhance security. He said CCTV surveillance will enable 24-hour monitoring of the premises as these buildings house important documents.

Addressing people at Manju Dabri after inaugurating new Panchayat Bhawans during his tour to Kasumpti Assembly constituency, the minister said the building had been constructed at a cost of Rs 1.14 crore.

“The two-storey building includes a library, a meeting hall, a conference hall, an office for pradhan, offices for panchayat secretary, technical assistant, MGNREGA assistant, kitchen and toilets,” he said.

The minister said Panchayat Bhawans belonged to the public and locals should use new halls and premises for weddings and other events. He also advised Panchayats to charge a reasonable fee for organising such functions as it would help generate revenue for them. The minister also announced Rs 1.5 lakh for purchase of furniture for the new Panchayat Bhawan.

He said over the past two-and-a-half years, over Rs 52 lakh had been sanctioned for various development works in this Panchayat.

Later, the minister laid the foundation stone for the Ramnagari to Katli road and inaugurated the new Panchayat Bhawan at Kohlu Jubbar. “Instructions have been given to the Block Development Officer (BDO) to start Panchayat work from the new building after Diwali,” he added. Singh urged people to expedite the process of executing gift deeds for land in areas where road construction is proposed. “All proposed roadworks in the region are expected to begin by March 2026,” he added.

He said the Electricity Department is working rapidly to install new transformers across the constituency and will complete the work before March 2026.

The minister also listened to public grievances.