Pandrer, once backward, now a model panchayat

Rajiv Mahajan

NURPUR, DECEMBER 20

Pandrer gram panchayat in Nurpur has become a role model in providing amenities with the best use of development funds.

The panchayat, led by young and first-timer pradhan Sikander Rana, has set the path for others too.

With a population around 1,800, the panchayat had come into existence 25 year ago and was one of the backward panchayats in Kangra district. It had got public recognition in September last year when its pradhan succeeded in re-opening the local Government Primary School that had been closed by the government in 2012-13 as none of the parents had enrolled their wards in the school.

The panchayat not only revived the school but also converted it into a model school with smart classrooms equipped with LCDs and Internet connection. With the community participation, the best sitting arrangement for pupils, water cooler, toilet and other infrastructure was raised by the panchayat, setting an example for other schools closed due to the falling number of students. The pradhan got her daughter admitted to the school and his wife started teaching in it without getting any salary.

This panchayat has made the best use of MGNREGA funds in raising rural infrastructure by constructing roads, sports facilities, a small bridge and irrigation works. Enquiries reveal that under the guidance and support of local MLA Rakesh Pathania, the panchayat has built a Rs 23 lakh bridge connecting two villages, multi-purpose playground, a new panchayat ghar with Wi-Fi, a conference hall, CCTV cameras, an indoor gym, a children park, a community bhavan, 56 water tanks, 30 protection walls, five check dams, besides constructing pucca paths. The panchayat has also provided 50 solar lights in all five wards and constructed a public toilet, a rain shelter and sprinkle irrigation water scheme.

The villagers will now have to elect a new panchayat pradhan. As per the new reservation roster, the panchayat has been reserved for SC woman, leaving no opportunity to contest elections by the existing pradhan.

Rs 23 lakh bridge constructed

• The panchayat has built a Rs 23 lakh bridge connecting two villages
• Besides, multi-purpose playground, new panchayat ghar with Wi-Fi, a conference hall with CCTV cameras, an indoor gym, a children park, a community bhavan, 56 water tanks, 30 protection walls, five checkdams, and pucca paths have been built
• The panchayat has also provided 50 solar lights in all five wards and constructed a public toilet, a rain shelter and sprinkle irrigation water scheme