The Golap Borbora State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development in Assam organised a two-day state-level workshop on Thursday and Friday. The main goal of the workshop was to build a roadmap for strengthening Own Source Revenue and promoting financially self-reliant Gaon Panchayats in the state. This initiative matches the national vision of Viksit Panchayat to Viksit Bharat@2047 to improve the financial capacity of rural institutions.
During the valedictory session on Friday, Assam Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development Atul Bora spoke to the attendees.
He emphasised the need to strengthen the Own Source Revenue base to make local bodies financially sustainable and accountable. The Minister stated that financially empowered Panchayats are very important for strengthening grassroots governance in rural areas.
Atul Bora highlighted the importance of moving beyond the traditional view of Panchayats as mere implementing agencies for government schemes.
He noted that local bodies must act as capable institutions that mobilise local resources and manage community assets. Strengthening Own Source Revenue helps build self-reliant Panchayats that plan development initiatives based on local needs.
B K Chakravarty, Additional Chief Secretary of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, appreciated the initiative to develop a comprehensive revenue framework.
He urged the workshop participants to share practical experience and find innovative opportunities for revenue generation in rural Assam. Senior government officers and representatives from various levels of local governance attended the event.
