Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

A guide to decentralisation of powers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amidst reservations expressed over a textbook on Panchayati Raj prepared by the Grameena Patana Kendram of the Karakulam grama panchayat, a thorough study reveals that the book was meant for creating civic sense among students along with awareness about decentralisation of power.

Kerala is one of the States having, to its credit, carrying out a number of successful experiments in decentralised governance. The Karakulam panchayat in the capital had taken the lead in such endeavours by conducting a number of novel programmes including exclusive grama sabhas for children.

Devolution of powers in the State has completed a decade, but children are still unaware of the powers granted to the LSGIs and the services provided by them. The book tries to provide an insight into all such aspects in a systematic and comprehensive manner.

The preface of the book, meant for primary and secondary students, says that it can be used as a guide for extra-curricular activities and also to get a clear idea about the Panchayati Raj system once it becomes part of the curriculum in future. The book was published after the Government specified that the LSGIs have the powers to monitor the administration and upkeep of the schools handed over to them, which was dubbed as an attempt of the LSGIs to intervene in academic maters. This had kicked off a controversy too.

Starting from the rudiments of democracy, the book provides a clear perspective about the key features of Panchayati Raj rules, structure and responsibilities of panchayats, citizen’s rights, role of grama sabhas, transparency in administration, social auditing, civic sense in children and such other aspects which are relevant to decentralised governance.

The emergence of the LSGIs in the State has been presented through simple illustrations. It gives a clear idea about the role of civic bodies in the erstwhile States of Travancore, Kochi and Malabar. The legislations passed from time to time unto the latest Panchayati Raj Bill passed by the Assembly in 1994 and the transition of the LSGIs as local governments have been introduced lucidly.

Yet another remarkable element is details about the role and significance of grama sabhas. Students get a clear impression about the link between grama sabhas and democracy, need for attending the meetings and how their participation will help to improve their lives and also the neighbourhood. The book also explains the rights and responsibilities of citizens and also their right to seek information for the betterment of society. Prepared by those who have been part of the decentralisation experience, the book provides different facets of new governance.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

A guide to decentralisation of powers
KSEB to ‘automate’ distribution in 3 cities
Salary on August 23
Woman’s murder: probe continues
Court orders Vigilance inquiry into KTDFC allegations
MES founder chairman dead
Competitions for schoolchildren
Plea to tackle LPG shortage
Grain, lorries seized at Inchivila
CBI charge-sheets former Vijaya Bank CMD
3,000 Onam fairs, markets this year
Nod for rehabilitation
9,105 candidates submit options
Thiruvananthapuram Today

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu