The second edition of the International Conference on Deepening Democracy (ICODD) will be held here from May 15 to 17, Minister for Panchayat and Social Justice M.K. Muneer has said.
Dr. Muneer told reporters here on Thursday that the conference being organised by the Local Self-Government Department will focus on rights-based development. Democracy will become meaningful only by protecting the rights of all sections such as Scheduled Castes, Tribes, women children and the elderly. Special focus would be made on their constitutional and human rights as they are often subjected to violence, neglect and discrimination.
The thrust of the conference is to foster a development culture founded on the rights of different sections. Local governments can play a constructive role by involving the masses in the development process. The conference will give due importance for discussing such issues. It will have a plenary session and 20 sessions on democratic decentralisation. Special sessions have been planned for sharing experiences on panchayati raj and the social and economic development in other States. Experts from different countries will participate in the sessions.
Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Chaudhary Birender Shah will inaugurate the conference at 10 a.m. at Kovalam. Dr. Muneer will preside over the inaugural session.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the valedictory session on May 17.
20 sessions on democratic decentralisation
Meet to be held from May 15 to 17
