Earmark duties and responsibilities of Panchyat Raj: Aiyar

Bangalore, Apr 1 (UNI) Union Minister for Pahchayat Raj Mani Shankar Aiyar today called for clear marking of the duties and responsibilities of panchayats to ensure smooth progress of the Panchayat Raj system in the country.

''If clear mapping was done on the duties and responsibilities of Panchayats the system can move forward with collective efforts. At present legislators feared the progress of Panchayat may curtail their rights,'' he added.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating a National Conference on ''Two Decade of Panchayat Raj in Karnataka: Opinions, Issues and Lessons'' organised to mark 20th year of introduction of Panchayat Raj System in Karnataka.

Mr Aiyar called upon the Karnataka government to increase the reservation for Women to 50 per cent in Panchayat institutions from the present 33 per cent as it was done in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

''According to information available, the percentage of women elected to Panchayat Institutions in Karnataka has almost doubled the reservation. More than 44 to 47 per cent have been elected. About 65 per cent of Scheduled Tribe and 50 per cent of Scheduled Caste have been elected to the Panchayat. Muslim women were also elected in large number. ''Hence increase in reservation for Women is the need of the hour in Karnataka Panchayat system,'' he said.

Expressing fear the Panchayat Raj system in Karnataka, which was once a model to other states in the country, may see a downfall, he said ''If Panchayat Raj system slips in Karnataka there is danger of the system failing all over the country.'' ''In Karnataka, unfortunately it has been experience since last 20 years that change in government coming in the way of functioning of Panchayat Raj system in the State. Smooth progress and moving forward of the system was witnessed with the change in the government there are other states which have overtaken Karnataka.

This was happening mostly because legislators feel threatened by progress the Panchayat system. The legislators should understand that there is no threat to the State government from the Panchayat Raj system,'' he added.

MORE UNI