Elect panchayats that are free from political influence: Ex-Jathedar

In an effort to promote people-centred, people-controlled, and people-managed development, the Pind Bachao, Punjab Bachao organisation is touring various villages across the region. The group is working to raise awareness about the importance of empowering gram sabhas and panchayati raj institutions for the holistic development of rural communities.

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Led by former Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Giani Kewal Singh, the organisation emphasises the need to shift from traditional top-down development models to a bottom-up, people-centred approach. He urged villagers to strengthen local governance by electing panchayats that are free from political influence and focused on the welfare of the village.

The former Jathedar criticised the use of politicians’ images during panchayat elections, calling on villagers to reject candidates engaging in such practices. He further encouraged the election of sarpanchs who prioritise the interests of their villages rather than those of political parties. “A sarpanch belonging to the village will work for the village, whereas one aligned with a political party will serve the party,” he said.

The organisation advocates for a shift in the development paradigm, promoting the active participation of local people in decision-making and planning to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of development projects. Speaking at Rodikapura village, Pind Bachao, Punjab Bachao members reminded residents that every voter in the village is a permanent member of the gram sabha, which is never dissolved.

The group also stressed the importance of electing panchayats that rise above factionalism and urged the proper implementation of reservations for women and Dalits in the upcoming panchayat elections.