Bhubaneswar: The State Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR) used an innovative game-based exercise to train Sarpanches on preparing effective Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP).
The exercise demonstrated how local bodies can balance development priorities, limited financial resources, and fixed timelines while addressing the needs of villagers.
A special session on the role of project management in GPDP preparation was held during a two-day training programme organised by SIRD&PR. The session was conducted by Deputy Director Santosh Kumar Patra.
A total of 63 Sarpanches from Balasore, Boudh, Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, and Sonepur districts attended the programme.
As part of the exercise, participants were divided into two groups. Each group was given a budget of Rs 500 and asked to select one member as the King and another as the Queen. They were then given 20 minutes to purchase materials such as paper, scissors, staplers, glue, erasers, safety pins, and sketch pens to prepare costumes.
After the activity, trainers explained the project management principles behind the exercise. The Rs 500 budget represented the limited financial resources available to Gram Panchayats. The selection of materials highlighted the need to identify local priorities and use available funds wisely. The 20-minute deadline reflected the time constraints involved in planning and implementing development projects.
The training programme also focused on ways to increase the Own Source Revenue of Gram Panchayats. Participants were introduced to different sources of revenue and the importance of planning and efficient utilisation of available resources.
The programme aimed to equip Sarpanches with the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare realistic, need-based and result-oriented Gram Panchayat Development Plans.
The participating Sarpanches expressed confidence that they would work towards increasing the Own Source Revenue of their respective Panchayats, building self-reliant local bodies and contributing to the vision of ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’.
