Congress demands devolution of powers to Panchayats

Patna, June 12 (UNI) Bihar Congress today demanded immediate devolution of constitutional powers to Panchayats for accelerated execution of the different welfare schemes at grassroot levels.

Chief spokesman of the state congress Kripa Nath Pathak told mediapersons here that counting process of the Panchayat elections would be completed by June 30. He said steps should be taken by the state government to delegate powers to panchayat levels so that local bodies should function to provide succour to the people.

Mr Pathak pointed out that different welfare schemes, including 'food for work', old age pensions, Indira Awas Yojna beside primary education, basic health care schemes were also to be executed under the supervision of the Panchayats and local bodies.

Congress leader advocated for providing some kind of honorarium to the elected members of the Panchayats and local bodies to enable them in discharging their duties properly.

He demanded publication of the list of people living Below Poverty Line (BPL) on the basis of 2001 census so that poor could be benefitted by the different welfare schemes launched for their uplift.

UNI/XC/DH SJC PR KN1817