00 Decision taken on the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister Sharma to empower Panchayats
Raipur. The Chhattisgarh government has taken an important decision towards empowering rural women and giving more powers to Panchayats. On the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Gram Panchayats have now been selected as the implementing agency for the construction of Mahtari Sadans. This decision, taken keeping in view the long-standing demand of public representatives, will not only increase the role and responsibility of Panchayats but will also provide a strong platform for social and economic activities for women in rural areas. Mahtari Sadans will become a centre for meetings, training, self-help group activities and livelihood promotion for women.

Making gram panchayats the implementing agency will expedite the work process. The department has also issued guidelines for this purpose. According to these guidelines, administrative approval for the Mahtari Sadan will be granted by the Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, and technical guidance will be provided by the Rural Mechanical Service. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the work will be ensured. A specific process for approval has also been established. 

To ensure uniformity in work, the Panchayat and Rural Development Department has prepared a standard design and estimate. A report on the physical and financial progress of the work must be provided to the Director Panchayat, Directorate of Chhattisgarh, through the District Panchayat by the 5th of each month. After administrative and technical approval, work must begin within one month, and the Panchayats will also be responsible for completing the work within six to eight months.

The construction of Mahtari Sadans will empower the Gram Panchayats and will significantly increase the economic and social activities of women in the villages. This initiative is proving to give a new direction to women empowerment in the state. It is noteworthy that an amount of Rs 100 crore has been approved for the construction of 368 Mahtari Sadans in the state. For which a cost of Rs 30 lakh per Mahtari Sadan has been fixed, 100% of which is being provided by the state government. Currently, out of the 368 approved Mahtari Sadans, the construction work of 137 has been completed, the remaining are under construction.