The Directorate of Rural Development started functioning from November, 1983.
With a view to have effective supervision, monitoring, and implementation of poverty alleviation, programmes and other Rural Development Programme being implemented in A & N Islands by the Directorate of Rural Development
The poverty alleviation schemes are very important for reducing the disparity in the society and improving the living condition of the people living below poverty line
The poverty alleviation schemes are being funded fully by the Government of India as the Schemes are being treated as Centrally Sponsored Schemes
The schemes are implemented in accordance with the instructions received from the Govt. of India from time to time
Consequent on the formulation of the 73rd constitutional amendment and the formation of the three tier Panchayati Raj set up in this UT, the blocks have to implement the Poverty Alleviation Programmes in co-ordination with the PRIs. It was decided by the Administration regarding formation of Blocks in consonance with the Panchayat Samities
The Directorate of RD, PRIs & ULB being the Nodal Department at State level has to enforce close supervision, coordination and monitoring for effective implementation of the programme/ Centrally Sponsored Schemes being implemented in this UT
The scheme strengthening of the Directorate of Rural Development and Block level Administration is constituted with the above objectives
Panchayat
In these Islands, the Panchayati Raj System came into existence from 1995.
The PRIs system is functioning with 70 Gram Panchayats, 7 Panchayat Samities and 02 Zilla Parishads.
Initially, the PRIs activities were started with limited infrastructure and administrative facilities in order to undertake developmental activities in respect of the functions devolved to them.
The Administration releases Grant-in-aid under various sectors and Matching Grants for revenue collection to the PRIs every year.
Gradually, the activities of the PRIs have increased manifold and the financial powers of the three tiers have also been enhanced considerably. As per the 73rd Amendment Act, various/some activities related to 29 subjects have also been devolved to the PRIs. It is therefore necessary to strengthen the PRIs to take up the developmental activities effectively.
The scheme, therefore, envisages for construction of community halls, Anganwadis, Panchayat Bhawan for Gram Panchayats, construction of residential quarters for officers and staff, creation of infrastructure such as footpaths, retaining wall, rural electrification etc. maintenance of the infrastructure already created, meeting the expenditure towards the office of Election Commissioner, Directorate of Panchayat etc.
Implementation of the Schemes of Panchayats
Panchayat: Our Village our work enlisting of people co-operation in Panchayati Raj to strengthen the functioning of PRIs.
Roads and Bridges - to promote connectivity in the villages through the PRIs.
Water Supply & Sanitation - to promote and provide Water supply in rural areas through the PRIs.
Minor Irrigation - to improve existing ground water sources and renovation/reconstruction of existing water resources.
Education - establishing quality oriented school in rural habitation for the benefit of the rural masses.
