BJP demands modalities to empower panchayat bodies

Itanagar, Jun 19 (UNI) The state unit of BJP has urged the state government to come out with modalities for empowering Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Arunachal Pradesh.

Informing this to media persons here yesterday, BJP general secretary Tai Tagak said despite making a number of promises, the state had failed to bring about devolution of power to PRIs so far.

"It is time for the Khandu government to work out the modalities for strengthening grass-root governance and fulfill its election promises," Mr Tagak said.

He also sought clarifications from the state government on its alleged failure to disburse the financial grants-in-aid, amounting Rs 24.50 crore, given by the Eleventh Finance Commission for PRIs. "The party has fared exceedingly well in improving its results in the panchayat elections that concluded recently," Mr Tagak said.

Out of 161 Zila Parishad Member (ZPM) seats, the party had won nine seats, followed by 90 plus Anchal Samiti Member (ASM) seats and over 328 seats in the Gram Panchayats (GP), he added.

He projected that the number would increase as re-poll for various seats would be held.

However, during 2003 panchayat polls, BJP failed to bag a single ZPM seat, despite securing 71 ASM and 327 GP seats.

Betting big on the party's winning trend, Mr Tagak said BJP would perform better in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state.

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