Minister of Panchayati Raj meets Canadian Democratic Reforms Minister

A Canadian delegation led by Mr. Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Democratic Reforms called on Shri V. Kishore Chandra Deo, Minister of Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs here today. The Canadian delegation called on the Minister for better understanding the process of decentralization, governance at the local level and to share experience of democratic reform. During the hour long meeting, the wide range of issues pertaining to local governance in India and Canada were discussed indepth. Shri Deo informed the delegation that there are as many as 2,48,000 Panchayats which underscores the magnitude of the local governance in this country. The Minister of Panchayati Raj also appraised the delegation about the constitutional provisions, the basic scheme of the infrastructural set up and the role of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the country.

During the Meeting, the point which was highlighted was the crucial role the Gram Sabha, the democratic representative institution at the grassroot level in addressing the basic issues of the people at the village level such as drinking water, sanitation, education, health, primary health etc. The Minister apprised them of the electoral process and the role of State Election Commissions in monitoring and regulating the elections. Highlighting the popularity of PRIS, he cited the instance of recently held peaceful elections to PRIS in the sensitive state of Jammu & Kashmir after a gap of 12 long years. Shri Deo informed the Canadian delegation that iIt is proposed to provide broadband connections to all Panchayats by 2014 via wireless route/optic fibre. As on date as many as 40,000 Panchayats already have e-connectivity. The delegation was also appraised about the various issues pertaining to Tribals, including, historic Forests Rights Act in 2006 and subsequent initiatives taken by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

PKM