Shimla, August 14: The newly formed Gram Panchayat Dhali in Junga tehsil witnessed strong public participation at its first general assembly meeting, with 123 villagers attending—more than double the quorum of 60 prescribed for the Gram Sabha.
The meeting was held at the Gram Panchayat Piran building and chaired by Panchayat Pradhan Anokhi Ram. Panchayat Secretary Rajiv Thakur welcomed the villagers and placed various development-related proposals before the Gram Sabha.
The meeting unanimously approved a proposal to construct a new Panchayat Bhawan near Government High School, Dhali. A proposal to develop a playground to encourage sports and community activities was also passed through a voice vote.
The demand for a separate Panchayat building has gained importance as residents currently have to travel around 15 km to Piran to attend Panchayat meetings.
Pradhan Anokhi Ram said the new Dhali Panchayat was formed following the dissolution of Gram Panchayat Piran. In the absence of its own building, elected representatives and villagers continue to travel to Piran for official meetings.
He said the high turnout reflected the enthusiasm of residents following the creation of the new Panchayat. Villagers from Thund, Dhali, Bagda and surrounding areas have been attending meetings in large numbers, often travelling in private vehicles.
“Construction of the Panchayat Bhawan is our priority so that elected representatives can effectively take forward development works in the area,” Anokhi Ram said, adding that the Panchayat would focus on overall development despite limited resources.
Deputy Pradhan Devendra Sharma, ward members Om Prakash, Rekha Devi, Devendra Kumari, Shyam Lal and Pushpa Devi, along with a large number of villagers, participated in the meeting.
