New Delhi, Apr 17 (Agency) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said development of villages can lead to the overall progress of the country. The President made the statement at a programme here. “The villagers should be able to decide what should be the model for the development of a village, and how it should be implemented. Panchayats are not just a means of implementing government programs and initiatives, but also a place to encourage new leaders, planners, policy-makers, and innovators, ” Murmu said after presenting the National Panchayat Awards and inaugurating the National Conference on Incentivisation of Panchayats. She said, “By adopting the best practices of one Panchayat in other Panchayats, we can quickly develop and make our villages prosperous.”
Talking about rural elections, the President said, “There is a provision for the election of Panchayat representatives, every five years, to ensure the participation of every section of society. However, it has been observed that these elections sometimes create bitterness among the people. Keeping in mind the need to avoid any mutual discord among the villagers due to the elections, Panchayat elections have been kept separate from political parties.” “A village is an extension of family. All community work should be done with mutual agreement as much as possible,” Murmu said. The President also said for the holistic development of any society, the participation of women is very important.“Women should have the right to make decisions for themselves, for their families and for the welfare of society. This right could be achieved through their empowerment at the family and village level,” Murmu said. The President called upon women to actively participate in the work of the Gram Panchayats. She also appealed to their families to support them in these efforts.