Minister Deepak Prakash’s Masterstroke: Requests ₹2,622.65 Crore for Health Sector from Centre

Patna: Bihar’s Panchayati Raj Minister, Deepak Prakash, has made a strategic move to boost the state’s rural governance initiatives. Known for introducing innovative measures in his department, Prakash has requested the central government to allow Bihar to host the National Workshop of Women-Friendly Panchayats.

The proactive minister recently announced a novel election experiment, introducing on-camera voting to curb bogus votes — a move aimed at increasing transparency in the electoral process.

Meeting with Central Ministers

On 28 January, Prakash attended a policy dialogue on “Operation & Maintenance of Rural Water Supply Infrastructure” at the NASC Complex, Convention Center in New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister of Water Resources, CR Patil. During the meeting, he requested the immediate release of the remaining ₹83 crore under the Centre’s share for the National Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Scheme.

Budget Enhancement Demands

Prakash also urged Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh to increase the budget for the Panchayati Raj Department. He highlighted the need for enhanced funding for strengthening computer labs at District Panchayat Resource Centres, effective implementation of e-governance initiatives, and smooth delivery of IT-based services at the panchayat level.

Further, he requested the release of ₹803.79 crore as pending grants recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, ₹2,622.65 crore under health sector allocations, and annual financial assistance for the construction, operation, and maintenance of Panchayat government buildings across the state.

Hosting the Women-Friendly Panchayat Workshop

In a meeting with Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Prakash emphasized that hosting the National Workshop on Women-Friendly Panchayats in Bihar would invigorate the department, highlight the state’s commitment to effective rural governance, and showcase Bihar’s leadership on a national stage.

By keeping the Panchayati Raj Department active and progressive, Deepak Prakash aims to strengthen rural governance while ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in development programs.