The Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj, has sanctioned 500 new Panchayat Ghars (village council offices) across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department of J&K, Mohd. Eijaz Asad, announced this on Thursday. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the grassroots level. The Secretary said that some blocks and panchayats were performing well, others required improvements. He said the department has identified areas that need attention, and have set a timeline to address these issues. He also discussed the progress of sanitation efforts in rural areas, noting that J&K was one of the first regions to try door-to-door sanitation. He also said that and audit of the old Panchayat Ghars had been conducted to identify those in need of repair and the department is in the process for repairing the old Panchayat Ghars to make them functional and accessible for the people.