Somnath calls for added emphasis on panchayat raj

Kozhikode, Oct 7 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee today called for more emphasis on the panchayat raj system for the overall development of the country.

Inaugurating the 140th anniversary celebrations of the Kozhikode Corporation here he said if the so called 'third tier of governance' functions effectively, development would be better dispersed and that the arm of the government can reach the needy and impact the people positively.

Stating that Kerala has been a pioneer of the concept of participatory and sustainable panchayat level development planning, he said special emphasis must be laid on infrastructure development, water supply schemes, solid waste management, public health and sanitation.

Successful implementations of plan schemes, educational, cultural and social activities, stregnthening of literay programmes and the library movements were the other areas of importance to achieve this goal, he said.

The function, attended by many leaders from diverse fields, was presided by state Local Administration Minister Paloli Mohammedkutty.

Famed film star 'Bharat' Mammootty inaugurated a cultural extravaganza, including light and sound programme by Soorya Krishnamurthy.

The corporation has chalked out an array of programmes, including developmental and make the district a prime tourism destination in the state during the year-long celeberations.

UNI PCH KSK2010