(Tuesday,
July 24, 2007)
Deccan Herald
Andolana against PR Act amendment planned
DH News Service,
The
Panchayat Raj Hakkottaya Andolana, an NGO, has urged the government to withdraw
the recent amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act before end of monsoon session of
the Assembly.
Speaking
to media persons here on Monday, Kavita Ratna, convener, said though the Governor returned the
recently-passed amendment seeking an explanation, the government is going ahead
and tabling it in the current session. The amendment seeks to curtail the
powers of panchayats.
The Andolana will take out in a State-wide protest in every gram panchayat, she said.
The Andolana stated that no public
debate was held in the previous session before the amendment was tabled.
“The legislative assembly had passed it with a significant majority. We hope
the recommendations of the Governor and appeals made by the Andolana will make
legislators to give a second thought to the issue” she added.
The Andolana will also meet Veerappa Moily, Chairperson, Administrative Reforms Committee
shortly, to hold discussions on protection of constitutional rights of
panchayats, Ms Ratna said
DEMANDS
*Ensure that the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2007 does not become
law
*Review of all Government Orders and programmes and bring them in conformity
with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment
*Publish and circulate info on GPs’ performance
(http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul242007/state2007072414769.asp)