Around 100 panchyati raj institution (PRI) members coming from Koraput, Jagatsinghpur and Balianta while participating at a workshop here to mark the National Panchyati Raj Day celebration on Thursday laid emphasis on conduct of Ward Sabhas and Palli Sabhas instead of Gram Sabhas to take a decision.
“Power is yet to be properly decentralised at the grassroots level. In many cases, decisions are being taken at the block and district levels without consulting PRI members at the grassroots level. It will be more transparent and effective if emphasis is laid on Ward Sabhas instead of Gram Sabhas to take a decision in better interest of the concerned wards and villages,” said a sarapanch of Koraput district.
Expressing concern over the State Government’s lackadaisical attitude in implementing the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Area) PESA Act, 1996 and ensuring protection of land rights in the tribal areas in letter and spirit, OCPR convenor Sudarshan Chhotray urged the Government to make each revenue village a Gram Panchyat for sustainable growth.