Dehradun, November 1, 2026: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced four measures aimed at strengthening block panchayats during the Uttarakhand Pramukh Sangathan Conference 2026 at Mukhya Sevak Sadan in Dehradun on Sunday.
The announcements included initiating action to restore the Kshetra Panchayat Fund and increase honorarium and allowances for block panchayat representatives. Dhami also proposed a greater role for block heads in rural livelihood planning and consultation with village panchayats before rural areas are brought within urban boundaries.
Four Announcements for Block Panchayats
Addressing block heads and public representatives from across Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister announced that the government would:
- Initiate the process to restart the Kshetra Panchayat Fund.
- Take steps to increase honorarium and allowances for Kshetra Panchayat representatives.
- Include block panchayat heads in development-block-level committees under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
- Consult the concerned Gram Panchayat when considering the inclusion of a rural area within an urban jurisdiction.
No revised payment amounts or implementation dates were specified in the announcements.
Dhami said block heads and panchayat representatives serve as an important bridge between residents and the government. Their understanding of local conditions, he said, makes them essential partners in improving roads, drinking water, healthcare, education and other basic services.
Higher Revenue Share Proposed for Local Bodies
The Chief Minister said the government is working to strengthen the finances of rural and urban local bodies.
Under the Sixth State Finance Commission’s recommendations, their share in state tax revenue is proposed to rise from 10.5% to 12.5%. He said ₹721 crore has been provided in the supplementary budget for this purpose, giving local bodies additional resources for development.
Dhami also said efforts are being made to construct buildings in phases for Gram Panchayats that do not yet have their own premises.
Representatives Asked to Help Schemes Reach Eligible Residents
Dhami urged elected representatives to maintain regular coordination with the administration so that eligible residents can access welfare schemes and local complaints can be addressed promptly.
He cited the “Jan-Jan Ki Sarkar, Jan-Jan Ke Dwar” campaign as an effort to bring officials directly into communities. According to the Chief Minister, the outreach helped residents receive scheme benefits and resolve problems locally.
He added that stronger infrastructure, digital services and optical-fibre connectivity at the village level are important to making panchayats more effective.
Rural Livelihoods Central to Development
Dhami said Uttarakhand’s development depends on stronger, more self-reliant villages. Alongside basic services, the government is promoting homestays, rural tourism, agriculture, horticulture, livestock-based activities and local products to expand employment.
He stated that reverse migration in the state had increased by 44% and called for active participation by panchayat representatives in creating local livelihood opportunities.
The Chief Minister also highlighted temple development, winter pilgrimage tourism, women’s self-help groups and the Lakhpati Didi initiative as areas supporting economic activity in rural communities.
Uttarakhand Block Pramukh Organisation president Rajeev Kandari, general secretary Ganesh Chandola, Jyoti Grover, patron Harish Bisht and other block heads attended the conference.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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