Gram Sabhas being strengthened, says Aiyar

Shimla, May 28 (UNI) Panchayati Raj, Youth Affiars and Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar today said Gram Sabhas were being strengthened since they were the most significant part of the Panchayati Raj System.

Speaking at a meeting held with newly elected officers bearers and members of Panchayati Samities at Anni and Nirmand in Kullu district of the state here, he said effective steps have been taken to delegate more powers to the panchayats to accelerate development works in the rural areas.

Mr Aiyar said timely disbursement and proper utilisations of funds given to panchayats was also being ensured, while participated in Gram Sabha meeting at Palach in Banjar Block of the district.

State Panchayti Raj Minister Sat Mahajan said 75 Panchayat Samities were working effectively in the state and schemes in Integrated Rural Development, Agriculture, Social, Forestry, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Health and Cleanliness, Adult Education, Communication, Cooperatives, Cottage Industries, Women, Youth, Child Welfare and Rural Development were being implemented through them.

The implementation of poverty alleviation, employment generation and various other developmental programmes in rural areas were also being carried out through Rural Development Programmes, he said.

Mr Mahajan said Swaran Jayanti Gramin Swarojgar Yojna was employment oriented and an assistance of Rs. 10,000 was being provided under National Family Assistance Scheme to the BPL families in case of death of an earning member of the family.

Agriculture Minister Raj Kishan Gaur, who was also present on the occasion, appealed to PRI representatives to be aware of welfare schemes of the state and central government and discharge their duties in a responsible and impartial manner.

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