What are the new initiatives you have taken in the ministry of panchayati raj?
As far as the Panchayati Raj ministry is concerned, my actions were to ensure that the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are strengthened. Many of them do not have proper infrastructure. I have been writing to the state governments. Under the MGNREGA scheme, 2% has been allotted for buildings, out of which 75% is given by the central government. I would like this to be extended to every panchayat on a 50:50 basis, for which I have sought clearance from the Planning Commission. On the same share basis, I would like to give them three personnel—an accountant, a panchayat secretary and a technical person or a junior engineer. Unless these three are in place, it is very difficult for a panchayat to function effectively. I want all panchayats to be connected by broadband. I have been told by the ministry of telecommunications that this would be achieved by 2014.
Another thing I am very particular about is to ensure that the gram sabhas (village councils) become more effective. Gram sabha is an entire village body consisting of all the voters. Generally gram sabhas take correct decisions when it comes to a common cause. It will also ensure transparency, and corruption will be minimized. In fact, I have already sent a circulation to all states that there should be at least four compulsory gram sabhas—on 26 January, 1 May, 15 August and 2 October—and have also asked them that all gram sabha meetings should be video-graphed and state government representatives should be present. Once it is done, you cannot contrive gram sabha resolutions.
What's the status on the implementation of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) law?
When the Act was passed, it was a dream come true for forest dwellers. Of the rules framed, some negate the very purpose of the bill. Some condition in the act makes the forest dwellers prove that they have the rights on it. About 14 lakh claims have been recognized, but as far as I am concerned, more appalling thing is that an equal number has been rejected. I want to change some guidelines and I have finalized some of them. I have issued orders also and now it is with the ministry.
The 13th Finance Commission report, which the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has accepted, has given thrust to a third tier—panchayat and municipalities? What has the ministry done to implement it? How will you ensure the implementation of it without hurting the federal nature?
The 13th Finance Commission has recommended more financial powers and the 73rd amendment (of the Constitution) also has said 29 items have to be devolved. The devolution of three Fs—funds, functionaries and functioning. This has not been done satisfactorily. Ours is a federal structure and to what extent I have to go, I have to get it legally examined. Each state is expected to pass its own Panchayati Raj in compliance with the 73rd amendment. I cannot implement them directly. As far as funds are concerned, the only fund I have in this ministry is the BRGF (Backward Region Grant Fund), which does not even go to all districts and all other funds are routed through the ministry of rural development. I am constrained even to say funds won't be released unless you comply. Read the full report here.
Source: Liz Mathew, Live Mint.com.
