In a departure from the norm, H.K. Patil, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister, on Sunday extended an open invitation to Gandhians in the State to advise and also monitor the implementation of major development programmes being taken up by his department.
Participating at the Mylara Mahadevappa Endowment programme jointly organised at the Gandhi Bhavan by the Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi and Mylara Mahadevappa National Memorial Trust here, the Minister appealed to Gandhians to conduct social audits of major rural development programmes.
He extended a personal invitation to Gandhians Ho. Srinivasaiah, Patil Puttappa and B.G. Banakar, who were present at the function, to come forward to advise his department.
He said that there was a dire need to rectify the lapses in the Panchayat Raj system and instil confidence among the stakeholders.
The Minister assured the Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi members of discussing the need for increasing financial allocation to the Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
He also assured the Gandhi Bhavan authorities of preparing a blue print for setting up a Gandhi Museum here on the lines of the one in New Delhi before Gandhi Jayanti this year.