126 candidates appointed as Gram Panchayat development officers in U’khand: Maharaj

 PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Panchayati Raj minister Satpal Maharaj stated that in 2025, 126 candidates selected by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) were appointed to the position of Gram Panchayat Development Officer across the State. Additionally, in 2024, 17 vacant posts of assistant development officer, Panchayat, were filled through promotions from the Gram Panchayat development officer cadre. 

Maharaj said this during a review meeting on Panchayati Raj and Watershed Management on Friday. He assessed the ongoing development works, including projects funded by the first installment of Rs 25 crore allocated from the annual plan of Rs 179.40 crore approved for the State under the centrally sponsored scheme, Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, for the year 2025-26.

He reviewed the progress of transferring funds, operations and personnel for the 29 subjects listed in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution to the three-tier Panchayat system, as mandated by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. He directed officials in the Panchayati Raj department to ensure the timely completion of training programs for elected public representatives and other related activities. 

Maharaj said that the current selection process for promotions to the vacant posts of assistant development officer Panchayat for the year 2025-26 is ongoing and will be finalised soon. He also discussed the development of a “Gram Panchayat Watershed Development Plan,” which aims to encourage community participation at the Gram Panchayat level, as well as action plans for the restoration and conservation of natural resources, water sources and agricultural development under the supervision of elected representatives.