Panch Sammelan in Varanasi on July 16 to Strengthen Panchayats under VB-G Ram Ji Act
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Rural Development is organizing 'Panch Sammelan' in Varanasi on July 16, 2026, to discuss effective implementation of the VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025. The event will bring together 500 gram pradhans from four states, along with central and state ministers, to strengthen grassroots institutions and promote participatory rural development.
Background
The VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025, is a recent legislation aimed at empowering gram panchayats and enhancing their role in rural development. The 'Panch Sammelan' is a platform to discuss its implementation and share best practices among states.
Key facts
The 'Panch Sammelan' will be held on July 16, 2026, at Rudraksh International Convention Centre, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
It is organized by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Approximately 500 gram panchayat pradhans from Uttar Pradesh (350), Bihar (75), Jharkhand (50), and Uttarakhand (25) will participate.
Key attendees include Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, and Joint Secretary Rohini R. Bhajibhakare.
The objective is to strengthen institutional preparedness for effective implementation of the VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025.
Technical sessions will cover provisions of the Act, gram panchayat planning (GIZ), rural livelihood strengthening (PRADAN), and role of pradhans (NIRDPR).
The event aims to promote convergence of schemes, transparency, accountability, and evidence-based planning at the gram panchayat level.
State experiences, innovations, and learnings will be shared among participating states.
Prelims pointers
- VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Panch Sammelan
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Rudraksh International Convention Centre
- NIRDPR (National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj)
- GIZ (German development agency)
- PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action)
- Gram Panchayat Pradhan
- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of Panchayati Raj institutions in rural development and empowerment
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for grassroots democracy
- GS2: Issues of federalism and centre-state coordination in implementing rural schemes
- GS3: Inclusive growth and convergence of rural development programmes