Bhubaneswar: A workshop on capacity building for Panchayati Raj was successfully held at Krushi Bhawan in Bhubaneswar today, as part of the SĀDHANA Saptah – 2026 campaign observed across the country. The event, organised in collaboration with the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), Department of Personnel Selection and Training, Karmayogi Bharat, and the Government of Odisha, focused on strengthening grassroots governance using the principles of technology, tradition, and real results.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Rabi Narayan Naik, Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water, emphasised the importance of strong Panchayats as the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development. He highlighted the need for continuous skill-based training for Panchayati Raj representatives and expressed his determination to bring transformative changes at the Panchayat level with the support of Karmayogi government officials.
Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member (HR), Capacity Building Commission, outlined the concept of ‘Mission Karmayogi’ and discussed CBC’s role in transforming governance from rule-based to role-based, focusing on citizen-centric service delivery. Other dignitaries present included Rajesh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India; Girish S. N., Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department; Madhusmita Samal, Director, State Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD & PR); along with other officers of the Odisha Panchayati Raj Department.
The workshop also marked the launch of AI-powered tools for Panchayati Raj workers, including a ‘Viksit Panchayat’ WhatsApp chatbot and a special e-learning module, available through the iGOT Karmayogi platform. These tools aim to empower Gram Panchayat representatives with technology-driven solutions for efficient problem-solving and governance.
Under the campaign, the Gram Panchayats of Boipariguda Block in Koraput District and Thakurmunda Block in Mayurbhanj District have been selected as pilot projects. The initiative, covering a total of 60 Panchayats nationwide, promotes digital education, encourages active participation in Gram Sabhas, and supports development plans tailored to local needs.
The event concluded with participants underlining the importance of developed Panchayats as a key step toward building a developed Odisha and a developed India.
