“REPORT TO THE PEOPLE …..UPA GOVERNMENT 2004-2006”. Listing achievements of the UPA Government in various sectors including Panchayati Raj was released by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on May 22nd , 2006. Following are the excerpts from the report regarding progress made in Panchayati Raj since UPA Government came to power at the Center.
“PANCHAYATI RAJ
Setting the agenda: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj concluded seven Round Table Conferences with the State Panchayati Raj Ministers on eighteen identified dimensions of Panchayati Raj and a set of 150 recommendations concerning every aspect of Panchayati Raj have been arrived at. The Ministry has drawn up an annual calendar, which includes activity mapping in all states, restructuring Centrally sponsored schemes, etc. In follow up, a Group of Ministers has been constituted for strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions and its terms of reference also include implementing the recommendations pertaining to financial devolution.
Backward Regions Grants Fund: A Backward Regions Grants Fund, with annual allocation of Rs. 3,750 crore for identified backward districts, would be implemented through Panchayats. In order to promote district-level planning and district-level budgeting through local government institutions, preparation of District Plans is being envisaged as a pre-condition for availing of funds
under the Backward Regions Grant Fund.
Central role under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act: Panchayats have been given a central role in implementation and monitoring of the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. At least half the work is to be done by Gram Panchayats, using funds placed with them.
Transfer of schemes to Panchayats: Steps have been initiated for transfer of schemes to Panchayats in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
Natural resources: The Government has initiated consultation with state governments for formulating a comprehensive programme for afforesting through Panchayats and establishing Panchayat-level community forests. States have been requested to amend their rules for conformity with PESA and issue guidelines for involving Gram Sabhas / Panchayats in mining. Most states
having Scheduled Areas have done this.
States consulted on all aspects and implementation being followed up with them
Backward Regions Grants Funds to be implemented through Panchayats
Key role to Panchayats in Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
Steps initiated for transfer of schemes to Panchayats in the Eleventh Five Year Plan
Comprehensive programme for establishing Panchayat-level community forests on the anvil”
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