"Gandhiji's dream of Gram Swaraj and Viveka Patha implementation meeting on August 15 — Reflection on implementing governance under the guidance of the Lord."

Gadag (Karnataka News Service), August 2:
The concept of Gram Swaraj was a dream of Mahatma Gandhi. Village Panchayats must function as local governments, and the quality of life of the people living there should be of a high standard, said District In-charge Minister H.K. Patil.

He was speaking at the "Gandhiji’s Dream of Gram Swaraj and Viveka Path Implementation" meeting, jointly organized by the District Administration, K.H. Patil Foundation, and Viveka Path, held at K.H. Patil Auditorium in Gadag on Saturday.

To strengthen local governance under the Panchayat Raj system, Gram Swaraj laws have been formulated. These laws should be implemented at the grassroots level so that village Panchayats can function like true local governments, he said.

He added that Gadag district is, in a way, a laboratory. Most new schemes begin their implementation in this district. Similarly, the Gram Swaraj laws should be effectively implemented here first.

The Five Guarantee schemes introduced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government have helped stabilize the lives of the poor in the state. These guarantee schemes not only support family welfare but also significantly reduce poverty. Through these programs, poverty is being uprooted from Karnataka. Gadag district ranks first in implementation by reaching the schemes to the deserving beneficiaries, he emphasized.

Minister Patil also informed that a meeting of Gadag district MLAs was held two days ago under the leadership of the Chief Minister. Important discussions were held regarding the funds and development projects needed for the district. During the meeting, MLA G.S. Patil joined them. A plan was proposed for the repair and construction of toilets in government schools in the district, and a request was made to the Chief Minister to release ₹50 crore for the same.

He noted that no project is impossible if it is planned and executed with discipline, citing the drinking water project as a successful example. Likewise, the Gram Swaraj laws should be implemented 100%. A new initiative titled "Governance Towards the Divine" is being considered and will be launched from August 15, he announced.

He called upon everyone to strive together to make the villages of the district free from addictions, disputes, and open defecation.

Former MLA D.R. Patil recalled that cooperative stalwart K.H. Patil worked as a village Sarpanch for many years before becoming a minister and was dedicated to rural development. He stressed the proper implementation of Gram Swaraj laws in the district. He urged that Ward and Village Sabha meetings should be conducted before August 15 and that reports from these meetings should be submitted to the Panchayats and then forwarded to the government.

He suggested that all of us should complete toilet repairs in our village schools by October 2 and take a firm resolution to do so.

J.K. Jamadar, Director of Sahakara Radio Station, elaborated on the vision and objectives of Gandhiji’s Gram Swaraj and Viveka Path.

The event was attended by Akbarsab Babarji (Chairman, Urban Development Authority), Ashok Mandali (Taluk Chairman, Guarantee Schemes), Vasanna Kuradagi, Guranna Balaganur, Vidyadhar Doddmani, Neelamma Bolanavar, Veeranna Hunasikatti, Siddhalingeshwar Patil, Krishnappa Patil, Abdul Kareem Sab, Shakuntala Akki, A.N. Nagarahalli, M.A. Radder, Taluk Executive Officer Mallayya K, Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry Dr. Hiralal Jinaga, along with presidents, vice presidents, and members of various Gram Panchayats.