DC Kishtwar Inaugurates District-Level Panch Sammelan on VB-GRAM-G Act 2025 at Kishtwar
📍 DDC Building, Kishtwar | 📅 8 August 2026
Panch Sammelan 2026 "Panchayats must play a meaningful role in participatory planning, asset creation, and sustainable rural development."
Inauguration of District-Level Panch Sammelan 2026
Panch Sammelan 2026: The Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), who is also the District Programme Coordinator (DPC), Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G), Kishtwar, inaugurated the District-Level Panch Sammelan on the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-GRAM-G) Act, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the New DDC Building, Kishtwar.
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Panch Sammelan Kishtwar by RDD kishtwar[/caption]
The programme was organised by the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Kishtwar. The three-day sensitisation programme is being held under the theme "Uniting Gram Panchayats for a Progressive & Self-Reliant Rural Kishtwar." The programme aims to sensitise Ex-PRIs, Ex-BDCs, Ex-DDCs, and field functionaries about the vision, objectives, provisions, and implementation framework of the VB-GRAM-G Act, 2025.
The initiative focuses on strengthening rural communities through livelihood generation, sustainable asset creation, resilient rural infrastructure, and empowerment of Panchayats. It seeks to build a common understanding among grassroots stakeholders regarding their role in participatory planning and the effective implementation of the new rural employment and development framework.
"Uniting Gram Panchayats for a Progressive & Self-Reliant Rural Kishtwar"
DC Kishtwar Highlights Four Priority Areas
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need for Panchayats to adopt a focused and need-based approach towards asset creation, sustainable livelihoods, resilient infrastructure, and water conservation. He highlighted four key priority areas for rural development in the district:
- Water Scarcity: Construction of check dams, rooftop rainwater harvesting, and other water conservation initiatives
- Core Rural Infrastructure: Effective and need-based Village/Gram Panchayat Plans
- Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: Promotion of local livelihood opportunities for rural households
- Disaster Resilience: Strengthening resilience in view of Kishtwar's vulnerability to flash floods, cloudbursts, and changing rainfall patterns
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of generating widespread awareness about the key provisions and objectives of the VB-GRAM-G Act, 2025, so that grassroots stakeholders have a clear understanding of the new framework and its benefits reach eligible rural households effectively.
He also called for greater public awareness regarding disaster preparedness and safety, particularly in vulnerable areas. He stressed the need to strictly avoid encroachment and construction activities in floodplain areas, and urged stakeholders to promote awareness about the risks associated with such activities.
Day 1: Blocks Covered & Technical Sessions
Later, ADC Kishtwar, Sh. Pawan Kotwal (JKAS), also participated in the programme and interacted with the participants.
As per the scheduled programme, the District-Level Panch Sammelan conducted at Kishtwar on August 08 covered the blocks of Kishtwar, Trigam, Palmar, Thakrie, and Warwan, with active participation from Ex-PRIs, Ex-BDCs, Ex-DDCs, and field functionaries of the respective blocks.
During the technical sessions, Sh. Ravi Parihar, JKAS, BDO Kishtwar, sensitised the participants on the "Vision and Objectives of the VB-GRAM-G Act," highlighting the transformative approach of the new framework towards employment, livelihood security, and local area development.
The Ex-BDCs, Ex-DDCs, and Ex-PRIs from the participating blocks actively took part in the deliberations and interacted with the resource persons. Officers and officials of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department also attended the programme.
Three-Day Block-Wise Sensitisation Programme: 8–10 August 2026
The block-wise sensitisation programme will continue from August 8 to August 10, 2026, with detailed sessions on the following components of the VB-GRAM-G framework:
- Vision and objectives of the VB-GRAM-G Act
- Roles and responsibilities of PRIs
- Preparation and approval of VGPPs (Village/Gram Panchayat Plans)
- Issuance and management of GRGCs
- Convergence with other government schemes
- Social audit, transparency, and accountability mechanisms
- Other operational and implementation-related aspects
The Sammelan provided a common platform for former elected representatives and field functionaries to understand the new framework, clarify their concerns, and contribute towards effective participatory planning and implementation at the Gram Panchayat level.
Officials Present at the Programme
| Officer | Designation |
|---|---|
| Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS) | DC & DPC VB-GRAM-G, Kishtwar (Chair) |
| Sh. Pawan Kotwal (JKAS) | ADC Kishtwar |
| Sh. Idrees Lone | ACR Kishtwar |
| Sh. Neeraj Sharma | ACP/ACD Kishtwar |
| Sh. Ravi Kumar (JKAS) | BDO Kishtwar |
| Mrs. Chandan Manhas | BDO Headquarters |
| Sh. Suresh Sharma | DSEO Kishtwar |
| Sh. Roopesh Sharma | BDO Trigam |
| Sh. Aijaz Ahmed | BDO Bounjawah |
| Sh. Mohd. Ashraf Wani | AD Planning RDD |
Also attended by other officers and concerned staff of the Rural Development Department, Kishtwar, as well as Ex-PRIs, Ex-BDCs, and Ex-DDCs from the participating blocks.