Strengthen Panchayati Raj inst. for rural development:Elders

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) Rajya Sabha members, cutting across party affiliations, today demanded strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions and proper implementation of various scheme meant for rural development.

Resuming the discussion on 'Panchayati Raj and Village Development' in the House, AIADMK member B Malaiswamy said while allocations for Panchayati Raj Ministry had been increased, the problem lay with the implementation of various schemes.

He stressed the need for capacity-building of Panchayati Raj functionaries, particularly women.

Ms Vanga Geetha (TDP) demanded that banks simplify procedures for loans to farmers to avoid increasing incidence of farmers' suicides.

She also demanded improving village sanitation, construction of houses for poor and revival of village industries.

Mr Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi (BJP) urged the government to modify the definition of 'poor' and 'poverty' as by the government saying the two should not only be measured in terms of 'calories' but also clothing, shelter, proper hygiene, food etc.

He said the Prime Minister's Gram Sadak Yojana should be applicable to far-flung areas in villages as well and not only nodal points in villages.

Mr Nandi Yellaiah (Cong) demanded bigger housing and improved medical facilities in rural areas.

Mr Abani Roy (RSP), while pointing out that poverty aleviation schemes were not properly implemented, called for land reforms, revival of village industries, building of rural infrastructure and provision of drinking water, health, education and electricity for rural development.

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