VISHAKHAPATNAM: Women, child and tribal welfare minister Sandhya Rani announced approval of 87 developmental projects that will be implemented in Andhra Pradesh under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) at a cost of ₹4,500 crore.Speaking at a function that marked holding of gram sabhas simultaneously in 13,326 panchayats throughout the state on Friday, she underlined that these projects will create nine crore jobs, providing employment to 54 lakh families within AP.The minister underscored the state government’s dedication in revitalising local governance. She pointed out that sarpanches, the elected leaders of gram panchayats, now hold significant authority in local governance, marking a transformative change in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.”For too long, the previous YSRC government had treated sarpanches as mere ceremonial figures, depriving them of any power. Now, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has empowered sarpanches to become key decision-makers on behalf of their communities,” Sandhya Rani said. She presented a detailed plan aimed at making panchayats self-sufficient and enhancing their financial resources, thereby enabling the development of respective villages.The minister said, “Our objective is to empower panchayats, so that they can manage their villages, in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that India resides in its villages. She emphasised on holding regular social audits in villages to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of funds.
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