Shettar speaks of importance of Gram Sabha in Panchayat Raj system

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, December 12, 2011 : Jagdish Shettar, the minister for rural development and Panchayat Raj, said that domestic charges will be collected from Gram Panchayats for power consumption while supplying drinking water as against the earlier billing on commercial charges. He was addressing the Gram Swarajya 2011, a conference held at Rajangana on Sunday.

He further said that the proposal to waive pending electricity bills sent to the GP has been forwarded to the government. Urging that the Gram Sabha functions should be actively executed, he said that decisions related to projects, plans, and programs, including selection of beneficiaries for various schemes, should be taken in the Gram Sabha. He also said that steps will be taken to curb MLA interference in GP issues.

He also suggested that the functions and powers of the GP, Taluk Panchayat (TP), and Zilla Panchayat (ZP) must be clearly mentioned to avoid confusion and that harmonious relationship must be maintained among the three.

Speaking about the difficulties faced by the TP, he said that attempts are now being made to revive it and that the government has already released Rs. 1 crore and proposals have been made to release Rs. 2 crore from the following year.

He also suggested that the GP president should be elected directly and allowed to function for a five-year term for the effective implementation of all schemes. 
 
Speaking on the importance of setting up review committees to assess the impact of the Panchayat Raj system on society, he said he has issued a circular to all GPs to hold Gram Sabhas compulsorily.

In his keynote address, Mani Shankar Aiyar, the former union minister for Panchayat Raj, said that Gram Swaraj is possible only when Gram Sabhas are effectively implemented. Speaking about the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) 1996 is a piece of law that spells out exactly how the Panchayat Raj system must be implemented.