The Odisha Coalition of Panchayati Raj (OCPR), an alliance of voluntary organisations, intellectuals and PRI representatives,on Sunday urged the State Government to constitute a panchayat in every village while observing the National Panchayati Raj Day here.
Around 80 persons joined the programme.
OCPR convenor Sudarshan Chhotoray welcoming guests emphasised on devolution of financial power to the grassroots authorities. Debates on role of civil society in strengthening PRIs, decentalisation of power, ‘PESA-FRA :Central Acts and Rules and State Rules’ were held.
Among others former Finance Minister Panchanan Kanungo, CYSD chairman PK Sahoo, Planning and Coordination Department Additional Secretary Pradip Biswal, former Panchayati Raj Secretary Swapneswar Baya, PECUC secretary Ranjan Mohanty, ONAS president Prof Jantrana Parikhit, Researcher Rajashree Mishra and social activist Gadadhar Pradhan were present.
The members demanded that the Government constitute panchayat in every village before the upcoming panchayat election.
Other demands included execution of FRA Gram Sabha in place of Palli Sabha, reorganisation of the Panchayat Samities and revival of Panchayat level industries.