Greater participation of people from the grass-root level would ensure the success and benefit of the Panchayati Raj system boomerang upon them, said the Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar while inaugurating the three-day National Convention of Chairpersons (Sarpanch) of Districts and Block Panchayats at Burari in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Development at the grass root level of the country and the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice governing by the local body (panchayat) is essential for its overall growth.
Revolutionary transformation in the governance at the village level has been noticed since 73rd amendment in the constitution by which the Panchayati Raj system was founded.
Several steps have been taken to augment the participation of the people at local level so as to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system in the country. To ensure good and participatory governments at the grass root level the government has made arrangements for free and fair polls for the Panchayati Raj institutions. Reservation of women has been first applied at the Panchayat level and to ensure flow of funds; State Finance Commission has been set up.
The ongoing convention is also significant for the suggestions made at this platform will be implemented by a committee headed by the Panchayati Raj Secretary to improve the system.
The purpose of organising such convention is also to create awareness among the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions of their Rights and Duties to function as Local Self Government.
"Along with good governance, we now insist on self governance at the Panchayati Raj institutions," Aiyar told at the convention, which is being organised to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitutions.
Panchayati Raj is the subject of state list so the Centre has no direct role in streamlining its functioning. But the government would make all possible effort and extend its helping hand to the states for strengthening of the system.
Aiyar also informed the state delegates about his government’s initiative for making arrangements for e-connectivity between the Panchayats and people.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will address the concluding session of the convention on Thursday where the PM will be handed over a charter of demands prepared at a meeting of representatives of all Panchayats held in March in New Delhi.
The charter is a guide to make Panchayat Raj institutions more efficient and functional with the states having superior right to amend, modify, or reject the charter as per their requirements.
Participants will share their experience and discuss the current situation of Panchayati Raj in their respective states.
Nearly 8000 delegates from 26 States and 5 Union Territories are participating in this National Convention along with not less than 1500 women representatives.
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