NAHARLAGUN, Jul 26: The Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Parishad (APPRP) members held a meeting here on Monday to discuss various issues concerning the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI). An interim committee was earlier constituted to take up the issues of PRI and discuss for further course of action.
Later briefing the media Biri Shanti Nido, Zilla Parishad Chairperson of Kamle district and President of the interim Committee has appealed to the state government to devolve powers at the earliest. “Chief Minister Pema Khandu on several occasions has assured power devolution to PRI. Therefore, on behalf of the Panchayat leaders of the state I appeal to the CM to fulfill the promises soon,” said ZPC Shanti. She also alleged that MLAs are against giving power to the PRI bodies and are putting pressure on CM not to devolve power.
“Once Panchayat bodies get power the role of MLA at grass root will be minimized. Due to this MLAs are not enthusiastic about power devolution. But we are also elected leaders and are answerable to our voters. Without power we are not able to implement our vision at the grass root,” she added.
She also said even though a two tier Panchayati system has been adopted still power and functions have not been specified. The annual action plan taken up earlier is yet to be implemented and needs immediate attention of the state government and at the same time the general public have lots of expectation and hope for several rural development schemes in the rural parts of state even if the normal schemes are in progress. She added.
She further said that we have included three more members in the committee and soon we will take up the issue with the Panchayati Raj Minister and Chief Minister for consideration.
Interim committee General Secretary Tadu Bayor informed us that we have adopted a resolution today and soon another meeting will be held to choke out further programmes. Due to covid 19 pandemic and rise of covid cases in several parts of the state we have avoided large gatherings, however representation from most of the district was present on the occasion. He said.
Several issues were discussed on the occasion which include MGNREGA, FFC, JJM, constitution of finance commission and others. Bayor added
