The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Ramadoss seeks more powers for local bodies

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Friday, Oct 06, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Ramadoss seeks more powers for local bodies

Staff Reporter

Suggests constituting a separate finance commission

S. Ramadoss

DINDIGUL: Pattali Makkal Katchi leader S. Ramadoss has called for more powers and funds to local bodies to enable them to function independently.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday, Mr. Ramadoss suggested constituting a separate finance commission, similar to Central and State Planning Commission, for local bodies. Empowering local bodies alone would ensure that the people were vested with governing powers.

He was of the view that it would suffice if there were village panchayats and municipal councils as such system would not only reduce corruption but also ensure speedy implementation of development schemes.

On the outcome of the by-election to the Madurai Central Assembly constituency, Dr. Ramadoss said the result would favour the ruling party.

Mullaperiyar issue

He said the State Government should not compromise on the Mullaperiyar issue. The Centre must issue orders in this direction.

Criticising special economic zones, Mr. Ramadoss alleged it was an attempt to hand over land owned by poor farmers to industrialists. It would ultimately create "modern landlords."

Instead of creating SEZs, he suggested that the Government could revive the "paralysed SIPCOT estates" in the State.

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