A three-day foundation-cum-functional training programme for newly elected Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members and functionaries began at the Community Block in Siang district on Wednesday. The initiative was launched by the State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR) to strengthen the capacity, knowledge and leadership skills of newly elected PRI representatives for effective grassroots governance and inclusive rural development.
In his inaugural address, Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu underlined the importance of generating Own Source Revenue (OSR) so that local bodies can respond to urgent development needs without depending entirely on government funds. He also encouraged women representatives to actively participate in Gram Sabha meetings, decision-making and scheme monitoring, stressing that gender or lack of formal education should not become barriers in public service.
Taggu said learning is a continuous process and noted that PRIs provide scope for constant improvement through exposure to modern governance tools like mobile monitoring systems, geo-tagging, DBT, PFMS and online audits. He added that schemes must follow proper planning, implementation and monitoring procedures.
Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tamat Tatak thanked the state government and SIRD&PR for selecting Siang as the first district to begin the programme and urged participants to use the opportunity effectively during their five-year tenure.
