Field visits provide real-world experience in rural development: HIRD Director Dr. Chauhan

Kurukshetra, July 30, 2026: On the fourth day of the six-day capacity-building training program organized at the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), Nilokheri—attended by Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs), Executive Engineers, and Sub-Divisional Engineers—participants undertook a study tour of the Atwan Gram Panchayat in Kurukshetra district. The objective was to provide them with firsthand insight into development works, existing infrastructure, and effective good governance practices at the Gram Panchayat level.

Addressing villagers and trainees at the Atwan Gram Sachivalaya (Village Secretariat), Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the HIRD, stated that rural development cannot be fully understood merely through classroom learning; rather, field studies offer genuine, practical experience.

He noted that such study tours inspire officials to understand successful operational models and implement them in their respective areas. He added that rural development initiatives could be made more effective by learning from the innovations and public-participation-driven development projects being implemented in Gram Panchayats.

During the visit, participants inspected the developed pond, 'Shivdham', and the Gram Sachivalaya in Atwan. Relevant officials and Panchayat representatives provided detailed information regarding the functioning, maintenance, and public participation aspects of these development projects.

Program Coordinator Sandeep Kumar explained that the tour aimed to familiarize participants practically with successful models of rural development and Panchayat administration. Atwan Sarpanch Vikram Atwan welcomed Director Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan and all participants by presenting them with traditional stoles and garlands.

Dr. Chauhan also conveyed a message of environmental conservation by planting a sapling in the guava orchard developed by the Gram Panchayat. Sarpanch Vikram Atwan described such study tours as a powerful medium for the exchange of experiences among officials from various regions. Sunita Kumawat (BDPO, Sikar, Rajasthan) praised the Shivdham, the pond, and other development works in Atwan, noting that the well-organized systems here serve as a source of inspiration for other Gram Panchayats.

Also present on the occasion were trainee officers from Haryana and Rajasthan—including Sushila (BDPO, Alwar), Abhishek (Executive Engineer, Zila Parishad, Kaithal), Suresh Chand (BDPO, Karauli), Ishwarendra (Sub-Divisional Engineer, Beri), and Sunita Kumawat (BDPO, Sikar)—along with Village Secretary Ravindra Yadav, Executive Engineer Ankit Verma, Junior Engineer Amandeep, Sarpanch Vikram Atwan, and other prominent citizens and villagers.