The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Devolve more powers to local bodies: Ramadoss

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Devolve more powers to local bodies: Ramadoss

Special Correspondent

Says only enhanced powers could enable them to perform better

— Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy

Making a point: PMK founder S. Ramadoss addressing the party’s elected representatives at Thailapuram near Tindivanam on Saturday.

VILLUPURAM: Pattali Makal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss has urged the Central and State governments to devolve more powers and finance to local bodies to improve their performance and fulfil the needs of rural populace.

He was addressing a conference of the elected representatives of the local bodies of the PMK at Thailapuram near here on Saturday. Dr. Ramadoss likened the rural voters to the members of the legislative assembly, the elected members as ministers and the panchayat president as chief minister.

Even though voices were raised for coalition at the Centre and autonomy in the State, when it came to the local bodies were the rulers were cringing to share in powers.

Only enhanced powers could enable the local bodies to perform better and deliver goods.

Dr. Ramadoss said it was a matter of concern that 90 per cent of the elected representatives seemed to be unqualified for the posts. He attributed this sorry state of affairs to the play of money power that seemed to be the deciding factor in selection of candidates.

In the bargain the philosophy and the grandeur of the concept of local governance suffered.

He further stated that a gram sabha was like the State Assembly and it should enjoy the powers of either accepting or rejecting any new projects proposed to be set up in the local body concerned.

Dr. Ramadoss underscored the point that if a gram sabha rejected any project proposal even the Central or State government should not force a decision on it and such a power should be made absolute through legislation.

He opined that at least 90 per cent of the rural population should make it a point to attend the gram sabha meeting and should take decisions on providing the required basic amenities.

It was a matter of concern that the elected representatives did not feel it their responsibility to reach out to the people and render service to them.

Dr. Ramadoss exhorted the party elected representatives to act differently, ie., when they demit office they should not take even an iota of the government property with them. He pointed out that at present the State government had provided for one-third representations in elected bodies to women, and the latter should utilise the opportunity.

He categorically said there was no place for those elected representatives who were not endowed with the service motive in the party.

The PMK would always strive to protect the local governance philosophy, he added. Party president G.K. Mani and about 1,500 elected representatives, including women, attended the conference.

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