Bhubaneswar: State Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD & PR) has conducted a unique game-based exercise to help sarpanches understand the importance of planning and prioritisation while preparing gram panchayat development plans.The exercise was held during a two-day training programme recently, attended by 63 sarpanches from Balasore, Boudh, Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Keonjhar and Subarnapur districts.Participants were divided into two groups and given a budget of Rs 500 each. They were asked to select a king and queen from among themselves and dress them using materials purchased within 20 minutes. Items available included paper, scissors, glue, staplers, safety pins and sketch pens.Trainers said the Rs 500 budget represented the limited funds available to the gram panchayats, while the selection of materials reflected the need to identify and prioritise villagers’ requirements. The 20-minute time limit highlighted the importance of completing projects on time.The training event also focused on increasing source revenue of gram panchayats, efficient use of available resources and preparation of practical, need-based development plans. Participating sarpanches said that the training would help them strengthen their panchayats and improve local revenue generation.
