Villages Are the Soul of India: Haryana CM Bats for Self-Reliant Rural Future on Panchayati Raj Day

On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a self-reliant and empowered rural India, declaring that the future of a developed India lies in the strength of its villages. Addressing the state-level Gram Utthan Samaroh in Panchkula, the Chief Minister emphasized that Indian villages are not only the cradle of tradition and culture but the very foundation of democratic strength and economic resilience.

Beginning the event on a somber note, the gathering observed a two-minute silence to honor the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The ceremony, graced by several state ministers and dignitaries, was marked by a spirit of unity and shared purpose among elected panchayat representatives, many of whom were women, reflecting the government’s push for gender inclusion in grassroots governance.

Chief Minister Saini passionately articulated the significance of vibrant village communities, stating that only when panchayats are strong can democracy flourish. He reminded the audience that India’s soul resides in its villages, and for the nation to truly realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, the journey must begin with village-level progress. He highlighted Haryana’s deep-rooted panchayat legacy dating back to Vedic times and called upon current representatives to carry forward that rich tradition with modern commitment and purpose.

In a strong message directed at village leaders, Saini urged every panchayat to take a pledge to excel in key development areas like education, health, sanitation, and women empowerment. He called upon representatives to ensure that no child drops out of school and that every citizen has access to quality healthcare and clean living conditions. The aim, he said, should be to make each village a model of socio-economic progress.

In alignment with the Prime Minister’s broader vision for rural transformation, the Chief Minister also emphasized the need for villages to become drug-free zones. He appealed to panchayat members to take a firm stand against drug abuse and report any related activities through the government’s ‘MANAS’ portal, assuring that the identities of whistleblowers would remain confidential.

Reinforcing his earlier pledge of ensuring adequate funding for local development, Saini noted that since the July Panchayat Conference, over Rs 3,566 crore has been transferred directly into panchayat accounts. He stated that financial constraints will never hinder progress and revealed that villages with less than Rs 20 lakh in development funds have already received supplementary allocations under the ‘gap fund’ initiative, totaling Rs 583 crore last year alone.

The government’s rural development strategy, he explained, is multidimensional. From ensuring broadband connectivity and piped water supply to providing 24-hour electricity under the “Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon” initiative and expanding Ayushman Bharat health benefits to every villager, Haryana’s villages are being equipped for the future. Infrastructure upgrades are also central to this mission, with 948 e-libraries, 281 indoor gyms, and 453 street-lighting projects already operational in rural areas, along with over 300 villages whose peripheries—locally known as ‘phirnis’—have been newly paved.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that rural upliftment is not just about executing schemes but about transparent planning, inclusive participation, and creating ownership among the villagers. He encouraged all representatives to partner in the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” ensuring that every policy reflects the voice and need of the people it serves.

Haryana’s Panchayati Raj celebration thus stood not only as a ceremonial event but as a declaration of intent—one that seeks to merge tradition with progress and community with accountability to achieve a truly self-reliant and prosperous rural India.

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