By:Himvani
Mr. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India said on Wednesday that Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj System emerged as ‘Role-Model’ for the rest of country as this oldest system of government evolved with the time in true democratic spirit in the hill state.
Interacting with Panchayat Raj Institutions representatives at PRI institute Mashobra on the outskirt of this capital town on Wednesday, Mr. Ansari noted “It is overwhelming to hear that 58% of elected PRI representatives in this tiny hill state are women while others states are still striving to give a minimum of 33% reservation to this section.
“This hill state could serve as a role model for rest of the states that could not provide even a of minimum 33% reservation to women however Himachal Pradesh has already implemented 50% reservation to them” said Mr. Ansari
Mr. Ansari also informed that this system of governance is the oldest in the state. Panchayat Raj Act was passed in 1954 however it was functioning since 1953 in Himachal Pradesh. This state has set up new record in the country after making the PRI’s functional and the state is quite aware about its functioning.
“The three tire system was enacted so that power could be devolved from center to grass root level at Gram Panchayats so that benefits of development could be reach to people living in villages and tribal hinterlands” added Mr. Anasari.
PRI representatives also seek the interventions of Vice President over number of burning issues faced by them. One of representatives said that funds allocated to Gram Panchayats are being lapsed due to delay in sanction of forest clearance by the Union Ministry of forest and environment. PRI personals also raised the issue of hampering of development works due to irrational cut in grant by the state and center government.
Vice president also visited Dr. Y.S Parmar Horticulture University Research Center at Mashobra and planted a sapling of Chinnar near the center. Vice Chancellor of University Dr. Vijay Thakur and Secretary Panchayat Raj Ms.Munisha Nanda also accompanied the Vice President on this occasion.
