ZP Members, Pradhans protest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 24 2014:
Urging for fulfilment of a number of demand including adequate devolution of power to Panchayats, Zilla Parishad Members and Pradhans of Imphal East district today staged a protest demonstration in front of the Panchayat Bhavan located within Imphal East DC office complex.
The Panchayat Members demanded appointment of a dedicated BDO for Panchayats, implement a bottom-up planning system, take Panchayats into confidence while implementing flagship programmes as per guidelines, entrust or merge DRDA with Zilla Parishad etc.
Provision of basic infrastructure for Gram Panchayats and Zilla Parishads and raising the amount of honorarium in tune with the changing time were some other demands.
The protesters asked why elections were held and Panchayats set up if no power should be devolved to them.
They also lambasted the State Government for centralizing all the powers with them.
It is reported that a similar protest demonstration would be staged tomorrow too together with Gram Sabha Members.