The Hindu : New Delhi News : “Puducherry Government bound to strengthen local body institutions”

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Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007
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New Delhi

“Puducherry Government bound to strengthen local body institutions”

Special Correspondent

— Photo: V.V. Krishnan

Submitting memorandum: Members of the Confederation of Local Bodies Organisation of Puducherry meeting Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar in New Delhi on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: Union Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar on Tuesday said that the Puducherry Government was bound to strengthen local body institutions, particularly after the signing of the ‘statement of conclusions’ with the Centre in January this year.

Mr. Aiyar said this to a 21-member delegation of elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Nagar Palikas of the Union Territory, that met him here and apprised him of the non-implementation of the provisions of the agreement by the administration.

The delegation, under the banner of the Confederation of Local Bodies Organisations of the Union Territory of Puducherry, was led by Pattali Makkal Katchi Member of Parliament, M.Ramadoss.

In a memorandum, the delegation pointed out that the constitutional provisions of the 73rd and 74th amendment were not being respected by the administration. People’s expectation that the local bodies, revived after 38 years, would satisfy their aspirations had been belied.

Without delegation of functions, even Centrally-sponsored schemes were not being implemented through the Panchayati Raj system.

“We have tried our best to convince the Congress Government to act according to the spirit of the Constitution, but it is stubborn and adamant on not implementing the constitutional provisions or the directions of the Centre. Almost 14 months have lapsed after 1,138 representatives took charge in five municipalities, 10 commune panchayats and 98 village panchayats, but the Government is shying away from devolving powers to them.”

Mr. Aiyar told the delegation that the Second State Finance Commission had defined the functions and activity mapping of local bodies.

There were precedents set by the Union territories of Nagar and Haveli, Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep, and hence there was no reason for Puducherry not to take up devolution of powers.

The delegation will now meet the President, Prime Minister, United Progressive Alliance chairperson and the Union Home Minister, following which the Panchayati Raj Ministry will decide on the further course of action.

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