The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : States undermined

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Friday, Jul 02, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

States undermined

Sir, — This refers to the editorial, "Respect federalism" (July 1). The Centre's proposal to allocate grants directly to districts has triggered opposition from many Chief Ministers on the ground that it undermines the role of the States. There may be arguments for and against it but the main concern should be to plug the leakages that prevent the funds from reaching the beneficiaries.

P.U. Krishnan,
Udhagamandalam, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — The proposal to bypass the States is shocking. The Centre can pull up the States if the funds allocated are not utilised but it cannot directly allocate funds. This is against the very concept of panchayati raj and strikes at the root of democratic functioning.

Hilda Raja,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The Centre should instead devise an effective strategy to check whether the State Governments are making a correct use of funds. Bypassing the States on such an important matter is not in tune with the spirit of the Constitution.

S. Sudhir Kumar,
Athens, Ohio

* * *

Sir, — Why should we see the move as an attack on federalism? Cutting a few layers, as any number of industry `process improvement' exercises have shown, will bring about a dramatic effectiveness in the speed of disbursement and minimise loss. Central funds should benefit those for whom they are meant. Niceties such as federalism and its cause can wait.

K. Chandrasekar,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — While it is important to respect the federal principle, it is also important to make the panchayati raj institutions effective in self-governance. A decade on, PRIs are still struggling to make their presence felt as they are heavily dependent on the State Governments. Direct disbursement of funds will eliminate delay and red-tapism at the State level.

G.V. Mohan,
Hyderabad

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