Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh — The state-level Tri-Stage Panchayat Workshop held in Bhopal brought together elected representatives, district officials, development experts and senior administrators from across Madhya Pradesh. The event focused on the central theme “Prosperity through Self-Funding,” highlighting a renewed commitment to building financially autonomous, innovative and accountable local bodies across the state.
The workshop showcased several inspiring case studies, with the standout example coming from Panna district, where a resource-poor panchayat successfully increased its income nearly 10–15 times through strategic planning, optimized land use, transparent systems and community-driven initiatives. Participants noted that such models demonstrate how even small panchayats can achieve financial self-reliance when supported with the right policy environment.
Senior officials emphasized reforms in rules, simplifying approval processes, strengthening digital governance, and deepening collaboration between departments to ensure quicker implementation of development projects. The atmosphere remained highly interactive, with representatives sharing challenges, field experiences and forward-looking solutions aimed at transforming grassroots governance.
A News correspondent held exclusive conversations with key leaders and officers.
Here are the major highlights of their remarks:
Prahlad Patel — Cabinet Minister, Panchayat & Rural Development Department
Prahlad Patel stated that the workshop has paved the way for meaningful policy improvements. He emphasized that feedback from across Madhya Pradesh shows a clear need for updated rules, faster inter-departmental coordination and stronger accountability mechanisms.
He added, “We want every panchayat to function with transparency and independence. This initiative will create a lasting positive impact on rural governance and service delivery.”
Radha Singh — Minister of State, Panchayat & Rural Development Department
Radha Singh highlighted that sustainable village development is impossible without strong local revenue systems. She stressed that “Prosperity through Self-Funding” is not just a theme but a practical roadmap toward building financially empowered panchayats.
She further added that panchayats are eager for innovation and capable of handling development funds responsibly when given timely authority and policy support.
Chhote Singh — Commissioner, Panchayat & Rural Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Commissioner Chhote Singh praised the emerging trend of self-reliant panchayats across the state. He pointed out that reforms in financial frameworks, revenue rights and administrative norms are essential to empower local bodies.
Referring to the Panna model, he said, “If a panchayat with limited resources can multiply its income many times over, then it is clearly possible everywhere with the right planning and guidance.”
Kamna Singh Bhadoriya — Chairperson, District Panchayat Bhind
Kamna Singh Bhadoriya emphasized that panchayats are the backbone of rural progress. She highlighted the growing role of women’s leadership, transparent decision-making and digital tools in improving district-level performance.
She noted that Bhind district has witnessed significant improvements wherever elected representatives received timely authority and clear administrative pathways.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
• Strong push to expand administrative and financial freedom for Panchayats
• Scaling the Self-Funding Model across all districts
• Identification of new, practical local revenue sources
• Rule amendments to speed up approval and planning processes
• Replication of high-performing Panchayat models statewide
• Enhanced coordination among departments and elected bodies
• Focus on Digital Panchayat Systems, accountability and transparent governance
• Strengthening women-led leadership and community participation
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate grassroots development and establish Madhya Pradesh as a leading example of empowered, self-reliant and modern panchayat governance.
The workshop underscored that Madhya Pradesh is entering a new era of decentralized development, where Panchayats will not merely implement schemes but design, fund and drive their own development agenda.
The workshop underscored that Madhya Pradesh is entering a new era of decentralized development, where Panchayats will not merely implement schemes but design, fund and drive their own development agenda.
