- Article by S.R.Parashar
- Commercial complexes will be developed through PPP model, new sources of income including unipole-hoarding will get a boost
To empower Gram Panchayats economically, self-sufficiently, and more capable of development initiatives, an innovative and result-oriented model for increasing their “own income” is being developed in Dhamtari district. In accordance with the directives of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department of the Chhattisgarh Government, new sources of sustainable income are being created through the appropriate use of Panchayat land and assets through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative is an important step towards effectively implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to service, good governance, and self-reliance at the local self-government level.
Under this initiative, locations in the district have been identified along main roads, market areas, and around cities and major populated areas, which have excellent potential for commercial activities. The land identification and allotment process to Panchayats was completed through the revenue department. Following this, a base rate was determined based on the guideline rate of the land and the cost of construction of the proposed commercial shops, in accordance with the provisions of the Panchayat Raj Act. The allotment of commercial premises is being carried out through a transparent tender process. This will pave the way for regular and long-term income for panchayats.
The unique feature of this model is that instead of simply keeping panchayat assets as idle assets, they are being developed as income-generating instruments. Commercial complexes, unipoles, hoardings, and other permitted activities are being integrated into the PPP model, tailored to local needs and potential. This will, on the one hand, promote employment and commercial activities at the local level, while on the other, providing panchayats with additional financial resources for development projects.
Collector Mr. Abinash Mishra stated that strengthening panchayats financially is an important initiative towards making local self-governance effective and result-oriented. In Dhamtari district, the Panchayat Training Program, implemented at the state level, is being conducted 100% digitally. The progress of panchayats is being ensured on the Samarth portal. He stated that commercial complexes are being developed through the PPP model, using the panchayats’ available land and assets in a transparent, legal, and public-friendly manner, thereby ensuring a continuous increase in the panchayats’ own income.
He said that increased income of Panchayats will provide them with additional resources for sanitation, drinking water, local infrastructure, maintenance of community assets, and other public welfare works. Furthermore, the culture of financial discipline, accountability, transparency, and asset management will be strengthened.
This initiative is also linked to the spirit of self-reliance, good governance, and public participation at the local level of the Central and State governments. Panchayats’ own income can become an important basis for better maintenance of assets and developed infrastructure created in villages through various schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and MNREGA.
It is noteworthy that increasing the “own income” of gram panchayats is also important for receiving performance grants from the 16th Finance Commission. In this context, this innovation in Dhamtari district is becoming a model for moving panchayats forward toward income generation, financial self-reliance, and strong local governance, rather than limiting them to a grant-based system. Other PPP-based proposals, tailored to local potential, are also being encouraged as per the regulations.
