Greater power for Panchayats urged

Guwahati, Apr 23 (UNI) The All India Panchayat Parishad (AIPP) and the Assam Panchayat Parishad (APP) today appealed for greater role of the panchayats for the development of the country.

Adressing a press meet here on the eve of 13th anniversary of the 73rd amendment Act, which accorded constitutional status to the panchayats, AIPP general secretary Jiban Das streesed on the importance of the panchayatiraj institutions.

Pointing out that the panchayats were not subservient to the state and central governments, he said, ''The panchayats are not below the state or central governments. They enjoy constitutional recognition and must be accorded status accordingly.'' Mr Das maintained that neglect of the pachayatiraj institutions has hindered development. He said, ''Panchayat is an important part of our three-tier form of government. Neglect of this tier has hampered the progress of the country.'' He alleged that the MPs and MLAs desisted from giving more power to the panchayats and wasted money alloted for the panchayats in other works.

The general secretary urged for greater devolution of power and said, ''In keeping with the spirit of the constitutional amendment, more power should be vested on the panchayats and our political leaders must take the initiative in this regard.'' Mr Das called on the people to be vigilant in this regard, adding that without awareness, the various provisions of the panchayatiraj amendment Act would be wasted.

UNI SG SP DB1512