Two-tier panchayats to replace three-tier in Aruchal

Itagar, March 15: The three-tier Panchayati Raj system in Aruchal Pradesh will soon be a thing of the past with the State Legislative Assembly passing a Government bill on Thursday to replace it with a two-tier system as per the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act 1992.

The Bill introduced in the House on March 9 last by Panchayat Minister Alo Libang, is to do away with the election of panchayats at the intermediate level (Anchal Samiti Members) to strengthen the Gram Panchayats and eble them to have a direct connection with Zila Parishad for better, efficient and timely planning and execution of various schemes at gram panchayat level without any delay.

As per the Clause (2) of Article 243 B of the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act 1992, panchayats at the intermediate level may not be constituted in states having population less than 20 lakh. Responding to queries and suggestions by members in the house, Libang informed that the state with 13.84 lakh population is ideal for two-tier panchati raj system as the Anchal Samiti Members have no function and with the introduction of the new system, the process of planning could be fastened.

“There is a need to standardize the use of fincial resources due to poor resource base. Moreover, plans and policies got delayed at the Anchal Samiti level. With two-tier system the strength of the elected panchayat members will be reduced and will help in saving the revenue in the long run for conducting elections, functiol and magerial cost on Anchal samities, mobility honorarium and other anticipated future expenses,” the minister said adding the revenue could be utilized for developmental activities and strengthening the panchayats.

Libang added that three-tier panchayati raj institutions were constituted in the state thrice in 2003, 2008 and 2013 and elections for the next five-year term is due in April-May this year.

Stating that as per the 73rd amendment election would be held directly, Libang assured the house to conduct panhayat elections in the state soon and to remove all the lacus from the Bill as suggested by the members.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu also assured the house to frame rules in due consultations with the elected representatives. Later the house passed the Bill by voice votes.