Work for development: Libang to panchayats

Itanagar, April 25: The Rashtriya Panchayat Raj Diwas was observed  throughout Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday in a befitting manner.

Addressing the celebration at Doimukh near here, RD and PR Minister Alo Libang called upon the panchayat leaders to realize their roles and responsibilities to ensure that public fund are utilized in a more accountable manner.

“If  our villages are developed  than definitely there will be a change in pace of development in the state too and  hence it is very important to strengthening the  Gram Panchayat as it is the pillar of grass root level local self governance in every aspects,” he said.

Speaking on the importance of Gram Sabha, Libang reiterated that Gram Panchayat leaders must    know their responsibility, rights and duties as they have been given the responsibility to ensure that public funds are utilized in a more accountable manner. “Gram Panchayats should make plan to choose the activities that are more useful for the people and get it approve by Gram Sabha so that development can reach to the needy people,” he added.

The minister also informed the Panchayat leaders that two-tier Panchayat system was introduced in the state as per the 73rd Amendment Act and said that government was seriously looking into the powers and functions under two tiers system before conducting the Panchayat election in the state.

Libang also advocated for education to the Panchayat leaders saying that people should elect person who knows about the programmes and lead the people in the right direction.

Panchayati Raj Secretary Rinchin Tashi, who also spoke on the occasion highlighted on the evolution of Panchayat Raj System in Arunachal Pradesh and said that in the state, Panchayati Raj System was not fully developed due to lack of education and sensitization about rights and duties and their responsibility.

Papum Pare district Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Aka while sharing her experiences said that Panchayat Raj system would be stronger with full devolution power and functions and separate budgetary support for Panchayat. She also requested the minister to look into regularization of contractual staffs of Panchayat so that they could discharge their duties sincerely.