Aiyer signs resolution to empower local bodies

Puducherry, Jan 11 (UNI) Union Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer and Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy today signed a joint resolution, empowering the local bodies under the provisions of the 73rd Constitutional amendment act pertaining to Panchayati Raj institutions.

Later, addressing the elected representatives of local bodies here, Mr Aiyer said the resolution would be translated into local language also and a copy provided to them by tomorrow. This would help them to understand their rights and duties and act accordingly, he added.

He said the centre would help to connect all the commune and village panchayats with computers to ensure proper functioning.

Citing the example of Mysore, where a studio was set up and classes were being taken in all the taluk panchayts, Mr Aiyer said this could be done in Puducherry also.

He said the UPA government under it's new e-Goverenance policy in coordination with the Panchayati Raj Ministry, would help the local body representatives to interact in the cyber space.

The Centre would allot funds for the same, he added. He said the Centre would also help in the marketing of the products of Self-Help Groups in village and commune panchayats if the details about the products were made available to the ministry through the local administration department secretary here.

UNI