Pucheli, Mungeli District, Chhattisgarh | A Special Gram Sabha focused on social audit activities was successfully conducted in Pucheli Gram Panchayat under Pathariya Block of Mungeli District, Chhattisgarh, in the distinguished presence of Dr. Jitendra Kumar Singroul, Director of the Chhattisgarh Social Audit Unit. The event served as an important platform for strengthening community participation, transparency, accountability, and good governance at the grassroots level.
During the meeting, Dr. Singroul closely reviewed the ongoing social audit process and interacted directly with villagers to understand their perspectives on the implementation of government welfare schemes and development projects. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that social audits are not merely administrative reviews but powerful democratic mechanisms that connect citizens with governance systems and ensure accountability in public service delivery.
โSocial audit is a vital tool for empowering citizens and enhancing transparency in governance. Active participation by villagers in Gram Sabha proceedings is the greatest strength of the social audit process. Quality implementation of development works and honest reporting help build greater trust between the government and the people,โ Dr. Singroul said.
The Director highlighted the significance of community engagement in monitoring public programs and encouraged residents to actively contribute to discussions regarding development initiatives in their villages. He noted that meaningful public participation strengthens democratic institutions and improves the effectiveness of government schemes.
District Coordinator Satyam Patel also addressed the gathering and provided detailed information regarding the provisions of the Panchayati Raj Act, the constitutional role of Gram Sabhas, and various regulations and guidelines associated with the upcoming VB-G-RAMG framework scheduled to take effect on July 1. He explained how local communities can play a crucial role in overseeing development projects, ensuring proper implementation of government programs, and promoting transparency through active participation.
Villagers enthusiastically participated in the Special Gram Sabha, sharing their observations, suggestions, and feedback regarding various development works and welfare schemes implemented in the area. The social audit process was reviewed on-site by Dr. Singroul, who listened carefully to concerns and recommendations raised by community members.
Residents expressed satisfaction with the initiative, stating that it was the first time such a comprehensive, interactive, and citizen-focused social audit Gram Sabha had been organized in their area. They noted that the program significantly enhanced their understanding of citizen rights, the powers of the Gram Sabha, and mechanisms for monitoring public works and government-funded projects.
The event concluded with a collective commitment by participants to further strengthen public participation, transparency, and accountability in local governance. Community members and officials reaffirmed their dedication to promoting democratic oversight and ensuring effective implementation of development programs.
Among those present at the event were Block Social Audit Facilitator Manishankar Baghel, Sarpanch Santoshi Lahare, Panchayat Secretary Rajkumar Navrang, Employment Assistant Sandesh Kumar Baghel, Gram Sabha President Harichand Markam, and Social Audit Team members Jaleshwar Sahu and Indrajeet Navrang, along with a large number of villagers and community stakeholders.
