Need to strengthen gram panchayats: Libang
DOIMUKH, Apr 24: Panchayati Raj Minister Alo Libang stressed on the need to strengthen the gram panchayats, saying they are the pillars of grassroots-level local self government.
He was addressing a gathering at the Rono ground community hall here on Tuesday on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day.
Speaking on the importance of the gram sabha, Libang said gram panchayat leaders must know their responsibilities, rights and duties.
“The gram sabhas have been given the responsibility to ensure that public funds are utilized in a more accountable manner. They should choose activities that are more useful for the people, so that development can reach the needy,” he said.
The minister informed the panchayat leaders that the two-tier panchayat system will be introduced in the state, and said the government is looking into the powers and functions under the two-tier system before conducting the panchayat election in the state.
Stressing on the need for literate panchayat leaders, Libang said people must elect persons who know about government programmes and can lead the people in the right direction.
Panchayati Raj Secretary Rinchin Tashi highlighted the evolution of the panchayati raj system in Arunachal, and said that the system is not fully developed in the state “due to lack of education and sensitization about the rights, duties and responsibilities of the panchayat members.”
Papum Pare ZPC Nabam Aka said the panchayati raj system would become stronger with full devolution of power and functions and a separate budgetary support. She also requested the minister to look into regularization of contractual staffs of panchayats.
Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) Tabang Bodung, GPM Tana Tala, RD Special Secretary Nyali Ete and DPDO JT Toko were also present on the occasion.
The day was also celebrated as part of the ongoing nationwide Gram Swaraj Campaign in all the gram panchayat blocks of Siang district.
In Pangin, the ADC made a presentation on the roles and responsibilities of panchayat leaders, and the aims and objectives of the Gram Swaraj Campaign. CO Rani Mibang highlighted the significance of formulation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan, and MO Dr A. Darung and B Kamdak from the ICDS department spoke on health-related schemes.
A large number of PRI leaders, staff of the Pangin-Kebang anchal samiti, ASHAs and anganwadi workers attended the programme.
In Aalo, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Swetika said it should be the administration’s prime target to ensure that developments and flagship programmes are properly implemented and reach the grassroots level.
West Siang ZPC Yaman Bagra, DPDO Sode Potom, PHED EE Kirba Sora, DMO Dr Nyage Geyi, DRDA DD Jiken Bomjen and Tax & Excise Superintendent K Nake also spoke.
In Tawang, officers of various departments assembled at the camps set up at villages, and made various services available to the villagers. Special gram sabhas were conducted where left-out beneficiaries under various schemes were identified. Matters related to immunization and health, women empowerment, education, etc, were also discussed.
In Longding, ADC Taga Ekke appealed to all the PRI members and educated youths to sensitize the general public and gram panchayat members to avail of government facilities provided for them.
Longding ZPM Noksa Saham appealed to the government officials to guide the panchayat members who do not have much knowledge in terms of government schemes and facilities. He lamented that many government officers and HoDs of Longding do not respond properly to the grievances of panchayat members.
SBI branch manager Chinglemba Thaudam distributed at least 200 forms to the members present. Later, the ADC and the ZPM gave away a portable LED TV each to the GBs who attended the programme.
In Tirap, Dadam CO Asan Kri while addressing a meeting at Khela village informed that 24 villages under the district have been selected for conducting Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan, while in Tezu, DPDO Kajal Karmakar called for active participation of panchayat members in developmental and awareness programmes.
ZPC Rongmang stressed on coordination between departments and agencies and timely completion of projects, while ZPM Haweli Kri called for proper utilization of funds.
The day was also observed at Palin in Kra Daadi district and Parang circle in Papum Pare district.
Panchayati Raj Day was also celebrated in Hawai (Anjaw), Anini (Dibang Valley) and various villages, including Thembang, Namsu, Khalibok and Salari in Dirang subdivision of West Kameng district. (With inputs from DIPROs)
