The national conference on overall district development held its second day in Patna, drawing participation from senior administrators, policymakers, and experts from across India. The focus was on sharing experiences and strategies for good governance and sustainable development. Key topics of discussion included improving transparency, optimizing direct benefit transfer mechanisms, implementing a comprehensive governance framework, and ensuring effective implementation of vital welfare programs.
Patna’s District Magistrate, Thiagarajan S.M., presented an innovative model aimed at addressing hearing loss among children. The model, which utilized Anganwadi infrastructure and inter-departmental collaboration, proved to be a cost-effective solution, significantly improving the lives of affected children.
Dr. Varnali Deka, Director of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, shared insights from the Northeast, focusing on the ‘No One Left Behind’ initiative in the Nalbari district of Assam. Forums like ‘Udyam Gosthi’ were highlighted for fostering local entrepreneurship, thereby driving sustainable development within the district.
Namrata Vrishni, the District Magistrate of Bikaner, Rajasthan, addressed the specific challenges faced by the desert region, providing information on initiatives like local language education, electrification, and the introduction of smart TV systems at the Anganwadi level.
Director (Sports) Mahendra Kumar showcased the rapid advancements in Bihar’s sports sector, revealing the development of over 8,000 sports grounds across the state through MGNREGA. He emphasized Bihar’s rising status in sports, supported by initiatives such as scholarships, talent scouting, hosting international competitions, and infrastructure development.
The fifth session was chaired by Narmadeshwar Lal, Principal Secretary of the Sugarcane Industries Department, Government of Bihar. During this session, Ravindra Kumar, District Magistrate of Azamgarh, shared the successes of welfare programs, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and nutrition initiatives for women.
Prashasti Parekh, the District Magistrate of Aravalli district, Gujarat, presented the successful outcomes of integrating various schemes, including PM-Jan Arogya Yojana, Poshan 2.0, Har Ghar Jal, Matru Vandana Yojana, and PM Awas Yojana.
Yashpal Meena, former District Magistrate of Vaishali, shared his experience on how the ‘Apna Panchayat, Apna Prashasan’ initiative fostered transparency and accountability at the village level.
Shubha Kalyana, the District Magistrate of Tumakuru district, Karnataka, discussed experiences related to strengthening maternal and child health services, promoting institutional deliveries, and empowering women through digital payments.
The conference underscored the critical role of effective district-level leadership, when complemented by state and central government policies, in achieving people-centered and impactful development.