Sarpanches learn planning skills through ‘King-Queen’ budgeting challenge at SIRD&PR training

Bhubaneswar: A creative simulation involving a modest budget of Rs 500 and a strict 20-minute deadline was used to teach Sarpanches the fundamentals of financial planning, resource prioritisation and project management during a training programme on Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).

The interactive session was organised by the State Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR) as part of a two-day capacity-building programme aimed at improving the quality of GPDP preparation. The initiative encouraged elected Panchayat representatives to understand how limited resources can be managed efficiently while addressing the development needs of villages.

A total of 63 Sarpanches from Balasore, Boudh, Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Keonjhar and Sonepur districts took part in the programme. The special exercise was led by Santosh Kumar Patra, Deputy Director of SIRD&PR.

During the activity, participants were divided into two teams and each team received Rs 500. They were instructed to nominate a ‘King’ and a ‘Queen’ and create costumes for them using materials purchased from a mock marketplace within the allotted time.

Teams had to carefully select items such as paper, glue, scissors, staplers, sketch pens, erasers and safety pins without exceeding their budget. The exercise challenged participants to balance creativity with financial discipline, mirroring the decision-making process required while implementing development projects at the Panchayat level.

Following the activity, trainers explained how the simulation reflected real-life governance challenges. The fixed budget represented the financial limitations faced by Gram Panchayats, while the selection of materials symbolised identifying community priorities and allocating resources accordingly. The 20-minute deadline underscored the importance of timely project execution.

Officials said the hands-on approach was designed to move beyond conventional classroom sessions and equip Sarpanches with practical planning and management skills. They emphasised that effective utilisation of available funds, prioritisation of development works and realistic planning are key to preparing result-oriented GPDPs.

Besides project planning, the training also focused on enhancing the Own Source Revenue (OSR) of Gram Panchayats by identifying new revenue opportunities and improving financial management. Participants were also guided on preparing development plans that reflect the actual needs and aspirations of local communities.

The participating Sarpanches said the programme had enhanced their understanding of planning and financial management and would help them strengthen local governance, improve revenue generation and contribute to the vision of ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’.