Substantial grants for panchayati raj institutions unused in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, a report by Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayat Raj has revealed.
Study commissioned by ministry points at serious capacity gaps along with lack of infra & caste dynamics among others, posing hurdles for elected women representatives.
Policy research paper released last week makes key recommendations for improving functioning of village councils & ensuring proper implementation of 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
In May, Panchayati Raj ministry wrote to states to start UPI payments to ‘enhance ease of living for citizens’. But only 8 states have completed the process so far, it is learnt.
Sarpanches say amendment is against spirit of Panchayati Raj Act. 19 Sarpanches of Alewa Block return their office material to the block development officer to register their protest.
Since the bulk of citizens did not regard drinking as a crime, they had no respect for the prohibition laws and did not cooperate with the police, wrote MV Venkata Rao in 1962.
We now live in a world order that will keep shifting. India must use this window. This also means we remain disciplined enough not to be knee-jerked into reacting to what Pakistan sees as its moment in the sun.
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