An Orientation and Training Program on the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) for the year 2025-2026 was conducted at the DC Conference Hall, Zunheboto on 8th November 2024. The program aimed at empowering the local departments and block staff to effectively contribute to the GPDP process.

The chairperson of the program T. Phoishe Sema, Project Director of Zunheboto, stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination, where he highlighted that at least five departments should participate in the program to ensure its success and to avoid any hindrances during implementation period.

In his welcome address, the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS, emphasized the significance of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan in strengthening rural governance and ensuring sustainable development at the grassroots level.

The training session featured two key resource persons: Nyiyalo Kath, Assistant Programme Coordinator (APC), and Alivi Achumi, District Database Manager (DBM). Nyiyalo Kath discussed the core objectives of the People’s Plan Campaign, which focuses on decentralizing decision-making power to local communities. He urged that every village appoint a facilitator to manage and upload data, including photographs, onto the official portal. He also outlined the essential elements of the GPDP process, including vision, goals, and action plans, and stressed the importance of collecting and providing relevant data, as well as engaging in Gram Sabha discussions.

Alivi Achumi, in her session, elaborated on the process of preparing the GPDP and the role of Gram Panchayats in empowering rural communities. She emphasized the use of digital tools like the Panchayat Nirnay App, Meri Panchayat App, and the Gram Manchitra Portal. She encouraged departments to utilize these platforms for recording meetings, training, and events. She also mentioned that the app serves as a one-stop solution for all departments, allowing efficient management and documentation of local government activities.

In his concluding remarks, T. Phoishe Sema expressed gratitude to the resource persons for their valuable insights and guidance. He acknowledged that the 29 departments in Zunheboto would greatly benefit from these initiatives, which aim to improve service delivery and governance at the village level.