Dehradun, December 19, 2024: The Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organization is set to initiate a major campaign advocating the proper implementation of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments. Addressing a press conference at the state headquarters, Rajiv Bhavan, the organization’s state in-charge, Dilip Rathore, emphasized the need for strengthening rural and urban local bodies.
Rathore highlighted that the groundwork for these amendments was laid with the 64th amendment during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Although it passed in the Lok Sabha, it could not clear the Rajya Sabha due to insufficient numbers. It was later enacted under the leadership of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, marking a significant milestone in decentralizing power to local governments.
Rathore explained that Panchayati Raj falls under the State List, making it the responsibility of state governments to empower local self-governments. He stressed that the provisions in the 11th and 12th Schedules of the Constitution, which define the rights and responsibilities of panchayats and urban local bodies, must be implemented seriously. While the 11th Schedule grants panchayats authority over 29 subjects, the 12th Schedule provides urban local bodies control over 18 subjects.
“It is unfortunate that neither the public nor elected representatives are fully aware of these provisions. Local governance must be strengthened to resolve grassroots issues effectively, as these cannot be managed from distant capitals like Delhi or Dehradun,” Rathore said.
The Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organization plans to educate candidates and elected representatives about their rights and responsibilities. Rathore revealed that around 3.6 million new individuals enter politics through panchayat elections annually, making this initiative crucial. A large-scale public awareness movement will also be launched to inform citizens about their rights and the importance of empowering local governance.
During the event, Rathore referenced the award-winning film The Pyre by Vinod Kapri, which sheds light on the issue of migration in Uttarakhand, adding further depth to the discussion.
The press conference was attended by state president Lalit Farswan, former Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Tamta, organization vice-president Mathura Dutt Joshi, chief spokesperson Garima Mehra Dasouni, senior leader Rajpal Bisht, and state spokesperson Amarendra Bisht.
The upcoming campaign is expected to spark significant discourse on the role and empowerment of local self-governments, making it a pivotal step in strengthening India’s grassroots democracy.
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