Campaigns soon to generate awareness about PRIs: says Aiyar

Shimla, May 30 (UNI) Panchayati Raj, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar today said panchayat mahila empowerment and panchayat yuva shakti campaigns will soon be launched in the country to generate awareness about the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Presiding over a meeting of Shimla and Solan Zila Parishad members here, he said the members should be aware of their rights and functions for the all round development of their respective areas.

Citing the example of Kerala, Karnataka and Sikkim where more than 40 per cent development works were done by the PRI's, Mr Aiyar said a statement of conclusion had been signed between Central Government and the Himachal Government to strengthen the Panchayati Raj System according to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

Mr Aiyar said the activity map of development should be prepared to ensure equal and balanced development of each village.

The function, finances and functionaries were important for carrying out developmental activities in the concerned area through panchayati raj bodies, he added.

He also stressed the need of generating more income at the PRI level to carry out developmental activities.

State Panchayati Raj Minister Sat Mahajan, who was also present on the occasion, said state had empowered the PRI's to execute developmental works in their respective areas.

Panchayats had been empowered to supervise the functioning of 15 state departments, he said, adding that Zila Parishad Chairman has been given the power to use ''red light'' in his district.

Mr mahajan said periodic refresher courses and training programmes for PRI representatives would be organised to update their knowledge.

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