Discussion on "Save Panchayat, Save Democracy" conducted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 13 2025: A 1-day open discussion on "Save Panchayat, Save Democracy", organised by the Adhoc Committee of PRI 2017 Manipur was held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.

The event was graced by Kshetri Tama Devi, former Up-Adakshya, Imphal East Zilla Parishad and Bijoy Kakchingtabam, president of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Kshetri Tama stressed on the need to save the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level and empower rural communities of the State.

She asserted that the Government not holding the 6th Panchayat election is undemocratic and a violation of the Indian Constitution.

"The term of the 5th Gram Panchayat had ended in October 2022.There has been no democracy at the grassroot level for nearly 27 months in Manipur.

The PRIs are now in a horrible condition with no devolution of power", she added.

By appointing administrative committees or caretakers, the Government has been forfeiting all the rights of the people, she said before asking how long the local bodies would be kept under administrative committees and caretakers.

She asserted that the primary purpose of decentralisation or devolution of power is ensuring development programmes and welfare schemes reach people at the grassroots level.

"With the Gram Panchayats, Municipal Councils and ADCs kept defunct for such a long time, several development activities such as planning, Gram Sabha meetings and drafting of labour budget have been derailed", she added.

Furthermore, Kshetri Tama said that it is necessary to submit representations to the Chief Secretary and the Governor highlighting the problems and issues of PRIs.

Retired Session Judge A Noutuneshwari Devi also attended the event as a resource person.

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