Strong Villages Will Lay the Foundation for a Developed India: HIRD Director Dr Chauhan
Strong, self-reliant and empowered villages will be the foundation of a developed India, said Dr Virender Singh Chauhan, Director, Haryana Institute of Rural Development, Nilokheri.
Girish Saini
Aug 13, 2026 09:50
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Nilokheri, August 12, 2026: Strong, self-reliant and empowered villages will be the foundation of a developed India, said Dr Virender Singh Chauhan, Director, Haryana Institute of Rural Development, Nilokheri.
Addressing Panchayat representatives from various districts online during Panch Sammelans organised under the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, Dr Chauhan called upon Panchayat representatives to ensure effective implementation of government schemes, promote public participation and prioritise development works according to local needs.
He said the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, would provide a new direction to rural development by promoting employment, creation of durable assets, transparency and effective execution of development schemes. He stressed that Panchayats are the most important link in grassroots democracy and their active participation is essential to ensure that government schemes reach the last mile.
Dr Chauhan said the employment guarantee under MGNREGA had been increased from 100 to 125 days, while provisions had been made for wage payments weekly or within a maximum of 15 days. He urged Panchayat representatives to make villagers aware of these provisions and ensure transparency and accountability in implementation.
Representatives and officials from districts including Yamunanagar, Sonipat, Kaithal, Sirsa and Panipat participated in the conferences and discussed the role of Panchayats in rural development.
HIRD Assistant Professor Kamaldeep Sangwan, programme officers, additional block programme officers and trainers also briefed Panchayat representatives on the provisions of the Act, Panchayat responsibilities and effective implementation of rural development schemes.
Dr Chouhan said that empowered Panchayats, self-reliant villages and active public participation would give fresh momentum to the vision of a developed India.
