BARAMULLA: Director Panchayati Raj, Jammu and Kashmir, Sham Lal today visited various blocks of Baramulla district to assess the status of Panchayat infrastructure and review the functioning of Common Services Centres (CSCs).

As part of his field tour, Director conducted detailed inspections of Panchayat Ghars and CSCs in Singhpora and Pattan blocks.

The sites covered included Singhpora Panchayat Ghar and CSC, as well as Panchayat Ghars located at Gund Ibrahim-A, Palhallan-E, and Nehlpora-A and B.

At Singhpora, Sham Lal reviewed the Model Common Services Centre and assessed the functionality of the Panchayat Ghar.

Highlighting the importance of well-functioning infrastructure in ensuring effective governance, he issued firm directions for the resolution of land-related issues that are delaying the construction of several Panchayat Ghars.

He instructed the Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP) Baramulla to prioritize the resolution of land identification challenges from both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 phases, stressing the need for close coordination with the Revenue department to fast-track the process and ensure all pending projects are completed in a time-bound manner.

Director also emphasized the need to expedite the co-location of additional rooms and CSCs, directing officials to make these facilities functional at the earliest.

During his visit to Palhallan-E Panchayat Ghar, he instructed Panchayat Secretaries to install the Gram Panchayat Report Card generated through the Panchayat Assessment Index (PAI) portal and display it through informative banners for public viewing.

In a capacity-building effort, Sham Lal conducted a hands-on training session on the Panchayat Assessment Index and encouraged Panchayat functionaries to stay well-versed with its features and indicators.

Highlighting the role of Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs) as community hubs, Director called for their transformation into comprehensive one-stop centers, fully equipped to serve rural residents.

He also underlined the importance of effective communication and public awareness regarding the services available at these centres.