Panchayat poll to take place in Jharkhand after 32 years

New Delhi, Nov 3 (ANI): Panchayati Raj Minister V. Kishore Chandra Deo, has written to Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda on the holding of elections to panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) in the State after a long gap of 32 years.

Deo has urged upon the Chief Minister to issue necessary instructions to the concerned authorities in the State Government for issue of circulars or guidelines to ensure that PRI system are put in place without any further delay.

He has pointed out that the smooth flow of funds from the Centre will be feasible only if the PRIs are functioning properly.

He said that the endeavour of the Government is to strengthen the PRIs by providing them a sound infrastructure and basic grounding in local governance by training them in capacity building.

"The devolution of the three Fs (Funds, Functions and Functionaries) to the PRIs and the activation of the 'Gram Sabha' will provide an opportunity for every citizen to participate in the process of development and governance," he added.

Considering the fact that three decades had lapsed for the panchayati raj institutions to find a place in Jharkhand, Deo felt that the elected representatives of PRIs in the State would greatly benefit from the foundation training in capacity building and local governance.

He further said that the success of PRIs would go a long way in strengthening the quality of democracy in the country.

The five phases poll will take place on November 27, December- 6, 13, 20 and 24. The counting of votes will take place on December 9, 12, 20, 23 and 28.

The elections will take place under provisions of Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) Act 1996.

The last such polls in the area took place in 1979 when Jharkhand was part of the undivided Bihar. (ANI)