"Empowerment of panchayats has given new dimensions to the development profile of the state, ensuring better planning and implementation of welfare and development programmes at the grass-root level," Chand said while addressing a function at Khour, 50 km from here.
On the occasion, two rewards of Rs 10 lakh and 5 lakh were also announced to encourage panchayats of the area for a better implementation of welfare schemes and development programmes.
The award would be funded from CDF and would further boost the cause of developing panchayat raj institutions.
Chand also congratulated the newly elected MLCs and appreciated sarpanches and panches for their active participation in the recent panchayat elections.
"The dream of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for a strengthened Panchayati Raj system is getting fulfilled with each step of the government and our aim is to empower people at village level for better planning and efficient delivery," he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government had already empowered panchayats with authority of 14 vital departments and soon other issues raised by members of PRIs would also be addressed, he added.
Making an appeal to officers to work with zeal and dedication, Chand said administration should regularly make door-to-door visits and do field study for better results.
Work culture has to be improved and sense of serving the society with honesty has to be cultivated so that real aim of improving delivery system can be met, he added.
