Aiyer for activity mapping to strengthen Panchayat institutions

New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer today called for completion of activity mapping by the states to enable further devolution of power to district- and village-level institutions.

Activity mapping should be completed early to prepare the basis for further infrastructure development, Mr Aiyer said while replying to a discussion on the working of his Ministry in the Rajya Sabha.

Major states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Rajasthan needed to gear up this activity, he said while observing that Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu had failed to do anything in this field so far.

Activity mapping, the Minister pointed out, was essential to decide future development works at the various levels -- state, district or local village levels.

In its ongoing efforts to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions, Minister Aiyer said, the Government proposed to launch schemes aimed at the rural youth and sportspersons -- with the latter seeking to unearth hitherto uncovered sports talent from the rural areas.

Debunking views to the contrary, Mr Aiyer claimed that Panchyati Raj institutions had been further strengthened and devolution of power had been realised to a greater extent than credited.

UNI DG MSJ HT1457