Punjab Newsline, Shimla, October 10-
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that marriage, birth, and death certificates issued by Gram Panchayats across the state will soon be available online. The Chief Minister while presiding over a review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department reiterated the government’s commitment to deliver essential services to citizens at their doorsteps.
The State’s economy can only be strengthened through robust rural development and the successful implementation of various schemes is essential for this goal, CM Sukhu stated. He noted that under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) 344.31 lakh labour days have been achieved in the financial year 2023-24 surpassing the initial target of 275 lakh labour days. For 2024-25, a target of 300 lakh labour days has been set, of which, 214.51 lakh labour days have already been earned.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s progress in making villages Open Defecation Free (ODF) plus models. "In the year 2024-25, a total of 17,582 villages will be transformed into ODF plus models, and 9,203 villages have already achieved this status. An additional 2,347 villages have been verified as ODF plus," he added. Furthermore, 32 plastic waste management units have been constructed in various development blocks with 26 units already operational.