Welcoming the order of the Madras High Court
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In a WhatsApp message to reporters, the Lt Governor said “the court decision ensures that local body elections to rural and urban bodies will be conducted by a duly selected public official approved by the administrator (L-G) and not merely appointed without a selection process. It opens up opportunities for people to take grassroots governance in to their own hands.”
The absence of elected local bodies for 10 years had deprived the people of several of their rights. Many public service buildings constructed using borrowed money remained un-utilised. Rural libraries are functioning without adequate books. Overhead water tanks have shown signs of dilapidation due to lack of maintenance, the Lt Governor said.
The setting of local bodies would also ensure women’s participation in rural development. Elections to the civic bodies would facilitate availability of more funds from the Union Government, Ms. Bedi said.
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