Panchayat Summit
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 03 2017: Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Thongam Biswajit Singh said that the State government is exploring ways to strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institute in the State and at the same time reviewing as to why devolution of power has been delayed so far despite the State Cabinet already giving the nod in 2016.The Minister was addressing the Annual Panchayat Summit at Panchayat Bhawan, Po-rompat today .

Stressing that the people lack proper awareness on the role of Panchayati Raj Institution, responsibilities of its elected members, Minister Biswajit said the need of the hour is to improve the awareness level.

The Minister also stressed on the need to conduct training programmes for the newly elected representatives to understand their roles and responsibilities and added that a date could be fixed at the earliest .

Biswajit spoke at length on the proposal to draft a separate State policy for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

He said that there can be no sustainable development without a proper policy and planning and that the experts can share their opinions, ideas and views on how to draft the policy with the Government.

The Government has also identified some points, taking reference from other States, which could be included in the State policy, he added .

Development of an institution, be it the Panchayati Raj Institution, needs participation, sincerity of all stakeholders and transparency, the Minister continued.

"We can gain support of the public only if we are transparent and sincere in our dealings," he added .

Observing that Manipur needs transformation, the Minister said both transformation and reformation can begin only from the individual self.

He said that a new change can be brought only when all initiate the change themselves.

Without sincerity to transform the self, one cannot bring any kind of transformation, he added .

Every scheme has guidelines on how to successfully implement it, he said adding that the benefits fail to reach the intended beneficiaries only when "we divert from the guidelines."
Biswajit also spoke on the importance of the Information Education and Communication fund and said every Government scheme has the fund.

He continued that the fund is earmarked in every scheme to spread awareness, provide information and educate the people about the scheme .

Replying to a memorandum submitted by the Manipur State Panchayat Parishad, the Minister said the Government is still reviewing the devolution of power but the Cabinet is yet to take a decision .

On the demand for upward revision of honorarium of Panchayat functionaries, the Minister assured his commitment to do the needful at the earliest.

He said attaching a separate Chief Executive Officer to the offices of Zilla Parishads will also be discussed .

On the proposal for creation of DRDA of Kakching and Jiribam districts, the Minister said there is an all India ban on the creation of DRDA now.

He said however since the districts are created CEO in charge and EDs will be provided so as to make them functional .

Biswajit also acknowledged a proposal for a monthly meeting with the functionaries .

Office bearers of the Manipur State Panchayat Parishad were also administered oath of office during the function .

Today's function organized by the Manipur State Panchayat Parishad was also attended by Naoriya Pakhanglakpa A/C MLA Soibam Subhaschandra Singh.

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