The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : PR bodies likely to get WB loan: Aiyar

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Sunday, Sep 30, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

PR bodies likely to get WB loan: Aiyar

G. Ravikirans

Appeals to MPs to extend support

NANDIGAMA: Union Panchayat Raj Minister Mani Sankar Aiyar on Saturday disclosed that an effort was being made to get Rs. 4,000-cr loan from the World Bank (WB) to help further strengthen the panchayat raj system in the country.

Addressing a training camp of Krishna District Sarpanches Samakhya at Nandigama in Krishna district on Saturday, Mr. Aiyar said that the support of the Members of Parliament (MPs) was needed to get the World Bank loan. “For this, I appeal to all MPs to come forward and give their help. I request Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal to take an active lead. Support of backbenchers in the parliament should be mobilised in this respect,” he added.

Mr. Aiyar indicated that if all goes as per his plan, the loan would materialise within a year’s time and this would be of immense help for backward regions in view of a special thrust being planned for their development. He pointed out that a proposal was there to decide backwardness taking block as a unit instead of the existing parameter of going by district.

Stating that this would provide a fillip to the pachayati raj bodies, Mr. Aiyar reiterated his plea to MPs to use their good offices for mobilising support for getting the loan. Mr. Rajagopal, who presided over the meeting, promised to do his best with regard to strengthening the pachayat raj system.

Touching upon the need for giving powers and funds to panchayat bodies, Mr. Aiyar recalled the comments of Prof. N.G. Ranga in a meeting of the Constituent Assembly held way back in 1948. He said, Prof. Ranga stood for giving power to the people and that Government servants should work as servants.

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