Rahul stresses on devolution of power to local bodies
CM recalls Rajiv's stand on territory
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 10 2012: All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Rahul Gandhi underlining the need for devolution of powers to the local bodies opined that empowerment of the local bodies will enrich the democratic principles.

In a nearly two-hour State visit today, the Gandhi scion formally inaugurated conventions on Local Self Gover- nance and UPA Flagship programmes at Hapta Kang- jeibung (Palace compound), which was packed to capacity.

The conventions are said to be the first of its kind in the country.

AICC general secretary and North East in-charge Luzinho Faleiro also accompanied Rahul Gandhi.

Stating that devolution of power to the local bodies has become inevitable to expedite all round development of the country, Rahul regretted that in some states like Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan there is no sign of empowering the local bodies.

Without devolution of power to the local bodies conducting elections is meaningless, the Congress MP expressed.

Rahul (Top) at the convention and having tea at a road side hotel

On the other hand Chief Minister O Ibobi pulled no punches in reiterating the State Government's stand on the territorial integrity of the State and reminded Rahul Gandhi of the time when his (Rahul) father, the late Rajiv Gandhi, had categorically turned down the demand of the Mizo National Front for a Greater Mizoram by incorporating Churachandpur district under the Mizo Accord.

Conceding that fund allocated by the Government seldom reaches the targeted section of the society, Rahul recalled his father (late) Rajiv Gandhi as saying that only about 15 percent of the total fund outlay reaches the common people.

Affirming that only the local bodies would be able to effectively address problems besieging people at the grassroots level, Rahul also cautioned that in case there is lack of coordination between the local bodies and people's representatives (MLAs) aspiration for all-round develop- ment will never materialise.

With the aim to streamline the funding process and ensure that the common/targeted people enjoy the benefits, the UPA Government had recently launched a scheme for which Rs 2,00,000 crores have been earmarked, he conveyed adding that the entitled incentives would be entered directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

On incidents of racial abuse and discrimination against the people of North East region in other cities, Rahul Gandhi opined that such 'isolated misdemeanours' are perpetrated by a handful of people.

At the time of discussing such incidents with North East student representatives there is nothing to suggest that the people of the region are inimical to the concept of India as a free country for all the Indian citizens.

Moreover, peaceful con-existence and joint effort of every section of the society are essential criteria for the development of the country in every aspect, expressed Rahul.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh highlighting problems and issues of Manipur affirmed that the State Government is determined and committed to resolving all outstanding problems, particularly the insurgency issue.

Stating that 92 percent of Manipur's total geographical area comprises hill areas but 65 percent of the State's total population resides in the valley areas, the CM opined that such peaceful co-existence for ages is an indication that the common people is against the concept of separate entities on ethnic lines.

Welcoming the Government of India's initiative to resolve relevant issues through talks with the NSCN (IM), he suggested that in trying to bring a solution with the NSCN (IM) other problems should not be created.

Similarly every section of the society should ensure that the ongoing peace process with Kuki armed groups should not be genesis of further problems, Ibobi said while reiterating his appeal to all armed groups to come to the negotiating table.

Pointing that flagship programmes of the UPA Government are being judiciously implemented in Manipur, he elaborated that in the valley districts developmental projects are being undertaken by the gram panchayats and zilla parishads at the grassroots level while village authorities and autonomous district councils are the project implementing agencies in the hills.

Regarding development projects in the urban areas, there are nine municipal councils and 18 nagar panchayats concerned with execution of JNURM schemes under the MAHUD, the CM maintained.

Under the Congress-led UPA Government's initiative to root out corruption and maintain governance transparency, the State had been successfully implementing the Right to Information Act, he said while acknowledging that the Nehru-Gandhi family is committed to development of the North East region.

Recounting that prior to signing of the Mizo Accord, Mizoram's demands included merging of Churachandpur district to Mizoram but the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi with the exception of the Churachandpur issue, approved other demands to finally settle the Mizo Accord, Ibobi expressed that it is the bounden duty of every citizen to ensure that India's unity and Manipur's territorial integrity is protected at any cost.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam, who is also the Deputy CM, said that the main objective of conducting the conventions is to sustain relationships between elected members of local bodies and people at the grassroots level.

Noting that social issues besetting Manipur is impeding development of the State compared to other parts of the country, he exuded confidence that upon successful redressal of the developmental deprivation all outstanding issues could be amicably resolved.

Through judicious implementation of the UPA flagship programmes the State can make substantial progress towards development but there is still need for more concerted effort from every section of the society to transform Manipur into a prosperous State, Gaikhangam affirmed.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh accompanied by Gaikhangam and other Congress workers accorded a rousing welcome to Rahul Gandhi at Imphal Airport.