The State of West Bengal is known for its unique system of rural local self government in the form of three tier PRI system. However, it is being felt that there is a need for further strengthening of the system through devolution of responsibilities and Building capacities of the PRI Bodies in all the three tiers for discharging their responsibilities more efficiently. Block Development Offices a
re the main operational wing of the Govt. for the developmental administration of rural Bengal. Among the three tiers, efficiency of functioning of the Gram Panchayat , being the tier closest to the people, is the most important to deliver the various services as well as socio-economic development to the rural people. The GPs are under the functional jurisdiction of the Panchayat Samiti. Rural populace look up to the BDO Office, especially to the Panchayat Section, as the face of the Govt. in their area as most of the social developmental works are implemented by the P&RD Deptt. Obviously, the Panchayat Development Officer (henceforth PDO) and the Ex –officio Secretary of Panchayt Samity as the in-charge of Panchayat Section in the BDO Office is performing the mammoth responsibilities proficiently. The West Bengal Panchayat Development Officers’ Association (henceforth WBPDOA) is the reconstituted Association of the older association of the PDOs and is the body to pursue the causes of the PDOs, in general, whether a member or not. It is the organization of the PDOs, by the PDOs and for the PDOs. Anyone may have a different opinion that should not affect the personal relation between the members of this association. The general aims and objectives of the WBPDOA are appended below:
1) To promote and foster the spirit of unity and solidarity amongst the members of the Association and to safeguard their collective or individual interests.
2) To strive for betterment of career prospects and condition of service in due recognition of its status and the importance of its role in the functioning of the Govt. of West Bengal.
3) Placing demands to the Department to empower PDOs by attributing different statutory powers pertaining to PANCHAYAT ACTs & different Rules.
4) Strive for the betterment of service conditions of the cadre.
5) The association would pursue at the Department to implement a revised job chart.
6) Maintain liaison with the Department for placing different demands of the cadre & share views of the cadre regarding different policies of the Department.
7) Pursue at the Department for regularizing promotion on yearly basis.
8) Pursue at the Department for upgrading pay scale.
9) Pursue at the Department for framing a rationale transfer policy.
10) Pursue at the Department for transfer & posting.
11) Continue SAT Cases regarding Pay scale Up-gradation & promotion.
12) Pursue at Department about confirmation of services of the PDOs at the completion of three years.
13) Pursue at the Department for issuing identity cards to every member of the cadre.
14) The Association would provide legal support to the member of the association if any member seeks any legal support.
15) The Association would provide assistance to the member or to his family members to settle retirement benefits/ death benefits. (Pension/Gratuity/Die-in harness cases etc)
16) The Association would provide assistance to the member or to the family members of a member in case of any serious illness or other untoward situation.
17) Pursue at the Department for filling up all vacant posts
18) Oppose the policy of engagement of PDOs on contractual basis.
19) Oppose & defend if Department frames policies against the cadre.
20) The Association would provide training, assistance & support to the newly appointed PDOs. MOTO OF WBPDOA: GREATER PARTICIPATION FOR BETTER ASSOCIATION”
