Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Thursday virtually laid the foundation stone of the Panchayat Community Centre (Panchayat Bhawan) to be constructed at a cost of ₹1.14 crore in Gram Panchayat Sangti–Sanhog of the Shimla Rural Assembly constituency. Addressing the gathering from the Secretariat, the Minister congratulated the residents of the Panchayat area and extended his best wishes for the project.
Seven of Eight Newly Formed Panchayats Get Buildings
The Minister informed that during the tenure of the previous BJP government, panchayat reorganisation had led to the creation of eight new panchayats in the Shimla Rural Assembly segment by bifurcating existing ones. Out of these, seven panchayats have already been sanctioned funds for the construction of modern panchayat buildings. Construction work on some buildings is underway, while others have already been inaugurated. He said only one panchayat remains, where the matter is currently under judicial consideration.
Completion of Clearances and Community Cooperation Appreciated
Vikramaditya Singh appreciated the efforts of Panchayat Pradhan Rahul Kashyap, Up-Pradhan Manoj Sharma, other elected representatives and the Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Shimla, stating that with their collective cooperation, all formalities including forest clearance were completed within six months. He also expressed gratitude to land donors Vikram Thakur, Roop Singh Thakur and Chaman Thakur, describing land donation as a courageous and selfless act in the interest of society and regional development.
Assurance on Development Works and Public Issues
The Minister said that due to heavy rainfall and snowfall, he could not reach the venue in person, necessitating the virtual foundation stone ceremony. Expressing regret over his absence, he assured residents of Sangti–Sanhog, Nerhi and Chayali panchayats that issues related to electricity, drinking water, roads and other public concerns would be addressed on priority. He added that he would personally visit the area after winter to review and resolve public grievances with the support of concerned officials.
A large number of public representatives, officials and local residents, including Zila Parishad member Lata Verma, Panchayat Samiti member Nidhi Thakur, PCC General Secretary Jitendra Thakur, representatives of neighbouring panchayats, youth and women’s mandals, and villagers, were present on the occasion.
