Role of Panchayat Secretaries is crucial in rural development: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, recalling Mahatma Gandhi, said that the true soul of India resides in its villages. He stated that if the nation is to develop, villages must be developed first, as national progress will naturally follow. Guided by this vision, the state government has resolved to establish industries in both rural and urban areas. He said villages form the foundation of a self-reliant India. The Chief Minister said the state government is working across all sectors through the Panchayati Raj system. To accelerate farmers’ prosperity and rural development, the state government has declared 2026 as the Agriculture Welfare Year, involving 16 different departments. Beneficiaries of Panchayats will receive benefits from schemes related to food processing, animal husbandry, fisheries, small and cottage industries and other departments during this year. He emphasised that the role of Panchayat Secretaries in rural development is extremely important.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the state-level Panchayat Secretaries’ Conference held on Friday at BHEL Dussehra Maidan.

Warm Welcome to the Chief Minister

On his arrival at the conference venue, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was greeted with applause and slogans. Representatives of the Panchayat Secretaries’ Federation welcomed him with a large garland and a bouquet. The Chief Minister also paid floral tribute to the portrait of Bharat Mata.

Panchayat Secretaries Are the Pillars of Panchayati Raj

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that within the ‘Panchayati Raj’ system, Panchayat Secretaries form the fulcrum of public welfare schemes and development works. They are responsible for implementing government policies and schemes on the ground. With the combined efforts of the state government, Panchayats, Panchayat Secretaries, and elected representatives, the state is moving forward on the path of development and public welfare. Drawing an analogy from ‘Ram Rajya’, he said that Panchayat Secretaries play a role akin to that of Hanuman Ji in the Panchayati Raj system. Whether it is the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme or financial assistance programs, Panchayat Secretaries ensure the successful delivery of all welfare initiatives. They work with a sense of responsibility like members of the rural family, and therefore, it is the government’s duty to care for their welfare.

He said that Panchayat Secretaries are being provided district-level cadre formation and equipped with all necessary technological resources to contribute to the vision of Digital India.

Strengthening Panchayats with Respect, Resources, and Modern Infrastructure

Chief Minister Dr. yadav said that the state government has made every effort to provide Panchayats with respect, resources, and modern facilities. Construction of well-equipped Atal Bhawan community buildings is progressing rapidly. Training programs for Panchayat representatives and employees aim not only to enhance skills but also to transform the administrative work culture. The government has increased honorariums and vehicle allowances for Panchayat representatives and has authorised Sarpanches to undertake development works worth up to ₹25 lakh.

Key Announcements for Panchayat Secretaries

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced that the retirement age of Panchayat Secretaries has been fixed at 62 years. Orders for the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission have already been issued. Panchayat Secretaries will also be given the benefit of special allowances. In case of the death of a Panchayat Secretary during service, the ₹1.5 lakh ex-gratia assistance provided to the family will not be recovered after compassionate appointment. A committee will be constituted to consider pay scales and other service conditions of Panchayat Secretaries.

Duty of a Panchayat Secretary Is Not Just a Job, but a Sacred Service: Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said that from Gram Sabha proceedings to the implementation of development works, Panchayat Secretaries are central to every process. Their responsibility is not merely a job, but a sacred opportunity for public service. He informed that the process of bringing Panchayat Secretaries under the Ayushman Card Scheme has begun, and the ₹1,300 allowance payable to them will also be started.

Conference Aims to Strengthen the Backbone of Rural India

State President of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Secretary Organisation, Shri Rajesh Patel, said the grand conference was organised to strengthen the backbone of rural India. Panchayat Secretaries ensure the effective implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level and play a vital role in rural development. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, Madhya Pradesh has set new benchmarks in good governance and achieved national recognition in water conservation alongside industrial and rural development.

General Secretary of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Shri Kuldeep Singh, said the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is taking significant decisions in the interest of workers and labourers.

The conference was attended by a large number of Panchayat Secretaries and representatives, including senior office-bearers of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and the Panchayat Secretary organisation.