'Strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions will curb Naxalism'

New Delhi, May 24 (UNI) Minister for Panchayati Raj Mani Shankar Aiyar today opined strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions would go a long way in curbing the growing problem of Naxalism, saying participatory development would obviate the need for resorting to violence.

''The problem of Naxalism emanates due to alienation. Institutions of self-governance can reduce feelings of alienation. If Naxals find that government policies, programmes and their designs will bring into fold the less privileged population into the field of development, then they are likely to abjure violence,'' Mr Aiyar said in an interactive session here with the Forum of Financial Writers.

Mr Aiyar said the objective of strengthening democracy at the grassroots through political empowerment of even the most marginalsied segments was being steadily achieved. ''Today, more than 21 lakh representatives have been elected to the three levels of Pachayats, among whom we have more than 40 per cent women(as against a 33 per cent reservation mandated), 16 per cent belonging to the Scheduled Castes and 11 per cent elected from among the Scheduled Tribes,'' he added.

In reply to a question, Mr Aiyer said there was a need for bringing down the use of muscle power in elections, but said this could be done only through concerted efforts of the State Election Commissions, civil society groups, media and other progressive sections of society.

Mr Aiyar said in order to ensure that the benefits of participatory planning accrue to all through inclusive growth strategy, there was a need for meeting certain preconditions. These are a clear and unambiguous activity mapping for different levels of Pachayats based on the principle of subsidarity; engagement of all stakeholders, particularly of historically dscriminated and marginalsied sections; devloution of funds in an united manner; streamlining and consoldation of schemes and assignment of significant revenue raising powers and building the capacity of local governments.

Mr Aiyar said the government has set up Rural Business Hubs(RBHs) at all intermediate levels of Pachayats. There are 6,097 Intermediate Panchayats and in the last six to seven months, 30 MoUs have been signed with various companies interested in promoting these hubs.

The companies relate to the field of fashion, food processing, Jethropa as bio-fuels and electricity generation.

Mr Aiyar said his Ministry was working in close co-operation with the CII, which has come out with a list of 72 companies which are keen to work out the RBHs. He said the government was keen to extend this to all the Panchayats.

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