The Village Administrative Centre (V.A.C.) is an administrative institution under the Rural Development Department, Government of Sikkim. It was established in 2007 in Pabong Ward, under the 43-Tingrithang Gram Panchayat Unit (G.P.U.). The V.A.C. plays a vital role in facilitating the overall functioning of the Gram Panchayat. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Namchi Block Administrative Center in Namchi District, Sikkim.

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES

Panchayati Raj in India and Sikkim

Panchayati Raj in India

The Panchayati Raj System is India’s rural self-governance framework, established through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 and enforced from April 24, 1993. It empowers local bodies at village, block, and district levels.

Three-Tier Structure:

* Gram Panchayat – Village level

* Panchayat Samiti – Block/intermediate level

* Zila Parishad – District level

Key Features:

* Regular elections every 5 years

* 33% reservation for women, SCs, and STs

* Gram Sabha as a decision-making forum

* Local development and service delivery

Panchayati Raj in Sikkim – Timeline & Evolution

Year: 1965

Event: Sikkim Panchayat Act passed under monarchy

Year: 1975

Event: Became 22nd state of India

Year: 1993

Event: Aligned with the 73rd Amendment

Year: 1994

Event: Sikkim Panchayat Act, 1993 implemented

Year: 2001

Event: Reservation policies introduced

Year: 2007

Event: First EVM-based Panchayat elections

Year: 2012

Event: e-Governance for Panchayats initiated

Year: 2022

Event: 6th Panchayat Elections 

Year: 2023–25

Event: Digitization of village services ongoing

Highlights in Sikkim

* 50% Women Representation

* Focus on Organic & Sustainable Development

* Digitized Scheme Application Systems

* Active Gram Sabha Participation

* Integrated Village Development Plans

* All Gram Panchayats ODF

Sikkim’s Progress in Panchayati Raj Institutions

Over the years, Sikkim has shown significant progress in strengthening its Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), focusing on inclusivity, transparency, and technology-driven governance. The state has actively worked towards empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable development through effective grassroots governance.

Key Achievements:

* Implementation of e-Governance tools for Panchayat services including digital record keeping, online grievance redressal, and scheme applications.

* Regular capacity-building programs and training workshops for Panchayat functionaries, especially women and marginalized group members.

* 50% representation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, promoting gender-inclusive governance.

* Launch of integrated Village Development Plans (VDPs) tailored to the needs of individual Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs).

* Successful digitization of financial and administrative transactions at the Panchayat level.

* Promotion of organic farming, renewable energy usage, and environmental conservation through PRI-led initiatives.

* Strong coordination between Zilla Panchayats and State Departments for effective local-level planning and implementation.

Sanitation and Sustainability: SBM and ODF+ Status in Sikkim

Sikkim has been a frontrunner in implementing the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), achieving significant milestones in sanitation and hygiene. The state has successfully maintained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and is actively progressing towards ODF+ and ODF++ goals under SBM-G Phase II.

* Sikkim was among the first states in India to be declared ODF in 2016.

* Sustained community-led initiatives and Panchayat-level monitoring ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards in villages.

* Construction and maintenance of solid and liquid waste management systems under ODF+ goals.

* Continuous behavior change communication (BCC) campaigns run by Gram Panchayats to promote toilet usage and hygiene practices.

* Training and engagement of Swachhagrahis and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in sanitation drives.

* Integration of SBM goals with village development plans (VDPs) for holistic rural development.

* Emphasis on zero waste villages and organic farming as part of sustainability and environmental goals.

Role of Block Administrative Center (B.A.C.) in Strengthening Panchayati Raj

The Block Administrative Centre (BAC) Namchi headed by the Block Development Officer cum Executive Magistrate, has been instrumental in implementing and strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the Namchi district of Sikkim.  As a pivotal administrative unit, BAC Namchi facilitates the execution of various rural development programs and ensures effective governance at the grassroots level. 

Key Contributions of BAC Namchi:

The Block Administrative Centre (BAC) Namchi plays a pivotal role in the implementation and supervision of rural governance and development programs in its jurisdiction. Its key contributions include:

1. Implementation of Government Schemes

Oversees and ensures effective implementation of flagship schemes such as MGNREGA, PMAY-G, PMGSY, SBM-G, NRLM, and others to improve rural infrastructure and livelihoods.

2. Strengthening Gram Panchayats

Provides administrative support and coordination for the smooth functioning of Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs), ensuring participatory planning, transparency, and accountability.

3. Monitoring Development Projects

Supervises the execution of construction works, including rural roads, water supply, sanitation, housing, and community infrastructure.

4. Grievance Redressal

Acts as a central point for receiving and addressing public grievances related to government services, development work, and local governance.

5. Capacity Building & Training

Organizes training programs for Panchayat members, village-level functionaries, and Self Help Groups (SHGs) to enhance their skills and awareness.

6. Digital Governance

Promotes e-governance through CSCs and VACs, enabling digital access to services such as registrations, payments, applications, and official documentation.

7. Disaster Response & Coordination

Coordinates disaster preparedness and relief measures at the village level during natural calamities like landslides, floods, and earthquakes.

8. Social Welfare Promotion

Facilitates awareness campaigns and service delivery related to health, education, sanitation, and social security schemes (e.g., old age pensions, scholarships).

9. Financial Oversight

Manages and audits fund flow to Gram Panchayats, ensuring transparency and proper utilization of public funds.

10. Community Participation & Governance

Ensures active community involvement through regular Gram Sabhas and public consultations, promoting grassroots democracy.

11. Implementation of Development Schemes:

BAC Namchi oversees the execution of numerous rural development schemes, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries in the Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs). 

Role of S.I.R.D. & P.R. Karfectar in Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions in Sikkim

The State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), located in Karfectar, South Sikkim, is a key institution under the Rural Development Department. It has been instrumental in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through structured training, policy support, and research.

Key Contributions of SIRD&PR Karfectar:

* Capacity Building and Training: Regular training programs are conducted for elected PRI representatives and rural development officials to enhance governance and administrative skills.

* Research and Policy Support: The institute undertakes research on rural issues and advises on policy improvements for PRIs.

* Training Need Assessments: Identifies the training gaps among PRI members and customizes programs accordingly.

* Support for National Missions: Actively trains PRI members on implementation of missions like the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), contributing to Sikkim's ODF and sustainability goals.

* Participatory Development: Promotes inclusive governance by empowering women, marginalized groups, and youth through Panchayat-level engagement.

* Collaboration with Central and State Agencies: Works closely with NIRDPR and other national bodies for up-to-date curriculum and best practices.

OFFICE FUNCTIONARIES