January 07, 2002
‘43’ VENKAIAH NAIDU LAUDS ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS FOR DEVOLUTION OF FUNDS AND POWERS TO PANCHAYATSAndaman and Nicobar Islands administration is leading the country in devolution of funds and powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions. This was stated by the Rural Development Minister Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu here today during a meeting with the Lt. Governer of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Shri N. N. Jha. He said Rs. 48 Crore has been given to various local bodies for implementation of schemes. The Minister recently visited and reviewed the implementation of Schemes at ground level in the Islands. As per the 73rd Amendment of Constitution, the ministry has been pleading the States for devolution of funds, powers and infrastructure to local bodies for self-reliance, Shri Naidu said. Funds under the departments, of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Rural Connectivity, Rural Electrification and Drinking Water, were being at the disposal of local bodies, Shri Naidu emphasised.
In the Islands, Gram Panchayats will have Rs. Five lakhs, Panchayat Samities Rs. 15 lakh and Zilla Parishad will be provided with Rs. 30 lakh funds for their development the schemes. So far, 1192 members of the staff from the various departments have also been transferred to local bodies, Shri Naidu said. The Minister assured the Lt. Governor, Shri N.N. Jha to take care of training part of local bodies and staff with the help of National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad.
Shri Naidu once again appealed to the States to devolve funds and powers as per the 73rd Amendment of Constitution. He also recalled the State Panchayati Raj Ministers Conference that had agreed on devolution of funds and powers to local bodies.
Shri Arun Bhatnagar, Rural Development Secretary and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.