‘Decentralisation of growth, governance need of the hour’

Family-based politics a throwback to era of monarchy, says former CS

Focus on issues: A book, Melukolupu, written by former Chief Secretary Ajeya Kallam being unveiled in Tirupati on Sunday.

Recollecting Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Swarajya, former A.P. Chief Secretary Ajeya Kallam called for creation of ‘village republics’ with emphasis on decentralisation of power.

Delivering the keynote address during the Mana Kosam Manam - Chaitanya Charcha Gosti programme organised by the Jana Chaitanya Vedika here on Sunday, Mr. Kallam remarked that people had forgotten that the true power of democracy lay among its institutions but not in the elected leaders.

“Democracy does not confine itself to the freedom of individuals, but also extends to aspects of autonomy and professionalism to the institutions.

“Strengthening them will augur well for the society,” he added.

Mr. Kallam said decentralisation not only at the village level but also spread to institutions, coupled with the aspects of autonomy and professionalism, would help in tackling corruption. Implementing the step by decentralisation of development and governance would strengthen the local governments, he opined.

Uniform development

Pointing out that centralised development would propagate corruption, Mr. Kallam said there was absolutely no need to construct a world-class capital at Amaravati, but uniform development (especially the establishment of government institutions) across all the 13 districts of the State was a necessity.

“Democracy is something which emerged against monarchy, but indirectly we are propagating the latter by encouraging family-based politics. In this context, power remains vested in one family, who in turn select their favourite members, neglecting the State’s development and people’s welfare,” he remarked.

Urging the people to vote for better leaders, Mr. Kallam called upon citizens to refrain from encouraging family-based politics, to-be leaders with little knowledge of governing a State and money-based politics.

Book released

Former Assembly Speaker Agarala Eswar Reddy released a book, Melukolupu , written by Mr. Kallam, which would address the prevailing issues.

Jana Chaitanya Vedika president V. Lakshmana Reddy, Rayalaseema Porata Samithi convenor P. Naveen Kumar Reddy and others took part.