Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to ensure that the benefits of governance reforms in the Panchayat system reach the people effectively. Chairing a review meeting with Panchayat Raj officials on Thursday, he announced that District Development Officer (DDO) offices will start functioning across Andhra Pradesh from November 1.

Pawan Kalyan emphasized that strengthening local self-governance and ensuring transparency at the grassroots level are key priorities of the government. He said that the cluster system has been abolished, and 13,351 Gram Panchayats have been made independent administrative units, enabling better service delivery to rural citizens.

The Deputy CM noted that the government is ensuring adequate funding for rural infrastructure and essential services without financial constraints. He highlighted that both the Central and State governments are working in coordination to channel resources for Panchayat-level development. Pawan Kalyan directed officials to formulate new plans that help Panchayats achieve financial self-sufficiency, utilizing the 15th Finance Commission grants effectively.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to rural empowerment, he said the coalition government has adopted a positive and reform-oriented approach in both financial allocation and administrative restructuring. He urged employees to take proactive responsibility in ensuring that the fruits of these reforms reach every village household.

The Deputy CM instructed higher officials to conduct regular reviews on fund utilization and implementation of governance reforms. He also called for a comprehensive plan under the “Palle Panduga 2.0” initiative, outlining development programs to be carried out across villages.

“The government’s goal is not just reform but tangible transformation,” Pawan Kalyan said, asserting that officials must work with commitment to make the Panchayat system a model of efficiency, transparency, and people-centric governance.