Need to give much-needed boost to Panchayati Raj: Francis Ngajokpa
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 22 2014 :
Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Francis Ngajokpa on Wednesday stressed on the need for upholding Panchayati Raj system by strengthening its function, functionaries and fund.
A two-day workshop on "Challenges of Panchayati Raj System in Manipur and the Road Ahead" began at Hotel Classic here today.
Participating in the opening ceremony of the workshop, Francis Ngajokpa said the Government has been making efforts to give a much-needed boost to Panchayati Raj institution in the State.
The workshop is being hosted by the RD & PR in collaboration with Manipur State Panchayat Parishad, Panchayat Bhavan, Porompat.
Francis said that elected leaders should use their power and work sincerely while holding the office of the Panchayati Raj institutions.
Panchayat should exercise its power in utilizing MNREGS fund and in taking up development programmes for the rural poor, he added.
The Minister said the question of shortage of fund does not arise as long as utilization certificates are submitted regularly to the Government, and assured that from next time onwards fund will be released immediately after scrutinizing district wise performance.
He insisted that so long as there are sufficient manpower, infrastructure and maintenance of accountability, the Panchayat will be empowered.
Parliamentary Secretary for MOBC, Science & Technology, Md Amin Shah, who also took part in the function, expressed his concern over the present status of Panchayati Raj in the State which he observed as 'getting worse' .
The system of the local-self Government needs a revival under a proper master plan, he proposed while claiming that there is a big gap in the relationship between the Government and elected members of the Panchayat.
K Tomba, Adhyaksha of Imphal East Zilla Parishad; Kh Surnalata Devi, Adhyaksha of Thoubal Zilla Parishad; Th Thoibi Devi, Adhyaksha of Bishnupur Zilla Parishad; Y Dashumati Devi, Adhayaksha of Imphal West Zilla Parishad, Barun Mitra, Principal Secretary in charge of RD & PR and Prof N Mohendro, chief advisor of MSPP were also present during the inaugural ceremony of the workshop.