Maldives Delegation Applauds NTR District’s Model of Transparent Rural Governance
Vijayawada:A delegation of elected representatives from the Maldives lauded the transparency, accountability and participatory development practices implemented in village panchayats in the NTR region.
They called the grassroots governance model an inspiring example of decentralized management.
The 26-member delegation, comprising elected representatives of Island Councils in the Maldives, is currently undergoing training at the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad. The team has been touring the NTR region since June 28 to examine rural development initiatives and local government mechanisms as part of their field outreach programme.
During their visit to Guntupalli village, the delegates participated in various social programs and interacted with the local people. They worked on initiatives aimed at empowering women through Self-Help Groups, attended Gram Sabha, Mahila Sabha and Bala Sabha meetings and reviewed skill development programs run through RISE Centre.
The team also examined the preparation and implementation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP).
On Tuesday, the delegation attended a meeting of district-level officials chaired by district collector Lakshmisha at the Sri Pingali Venkayya Conference Hall in the collectorate.
The Collector explained the welfare schemes and development programs implemented in Andhra Pradesh. He outlined the vision of Swarna Andhra and Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and highlighted the innovative strategies adopted to achieve these goals.
Lakshmisha also briefed the delegation on the importance of Real Time Governance Community systems and the use of IVRS based citizen feedback mechanisms in monitoring around 56 government plans and programmes.
The Collector explained the district’s Swachh Bharat initiatives and highlighted the growth potential of primary and secondary sectors as well as the service sector, which contributes to about 67 per cent of the district’s economy.
Members of the Maldives delegation said that the field visits were a useful experience. They noted that the success stories of female entrepreneurs trained through the RISE Center were particularly inspiring. Delegates also praised the functioning of the Self Help Groups and appreciated the waste to wealth centers operating in the area.
NIRD coordinators Arun Raj and Sirisha, district panchayat officer Seeta Mahalakshmi and officials from various departments attended the meeting.
