'Panchayats play key role in curbing corona spread'

PATNA: Panchayats played a major role in preventing Covid-19 spread in rural areas of Bihar, according to a study conducted by Chanakya National Law University (CNLU).

The study on ‘Role of local representatives during Covid-19 lockdown’ was carried out by CNLU social sciences dean and panchayati raj chair professor S P Singh on the basis of assessment made in 20 panchayats in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Gaya and Jehanabad districts.

The study found that panchayat-level functionaries, including mukhiya, ward members, panchayat secretaries, nyay mitra, village chowkidar, gram sewak, ANM, ASHAs and schoolteachers played important roles in creating awareness and implementing the government guidelines regarding Covid-19 in their respective areas.

For instance, the mukhiya of Dharani panchayat in Jehanabad district, Ajay Yadav, himself drove the autorickshaw and moved from village to village to sensitize the people about the pandemic. The study found that the ward members themselves sprinkled bleaching powder in their respective wards and taught people about the importance of personal hygiene. The state government’s decision to distribute four masks and two soaps to every household in each panchayat was also translated into action only through their active cooperation. They also maintained the record of migrant workers, who returned to their native places from different parts of India during lockdown.

According to Bihar Sarpanch Association president Amod Kumar Nirala, disputes of migrant workers were resolved at the local level by the Gram Kachahari, which is empowered to settle civil and criminal disputes of minor nature.

The Panchayati Raj system played a very significant role in providing all essential services to the needy people during the Covid-19 pandemic, the study concluded.