Dear Friends,                                                                                                               24th April 2007

All the newspapers today carry announcements regarding the ‘Panchayat Diwas’ in order to reaffirm the nation's commitment to ‘Gram Swaraj’ – political decentralisation. They also quote the former Prime Minister Sri Rajiv Gandhi who said “To the people of India, let us ensure maximum democracy and maximum devolution. Let there be an end to power brokers. Let us give power to the people” from his address in the Lok Sabha in 1989.  

However, never before has the Panchayat Raj been under such severe threat – as it is now.

For a detailed look at the recent developments in Karnataka, please click on the link http://www.indiatogether.com/2007/apr/gov-priblow.htm to reach the article 'A mortal blow to Panchayat Raj'. It comments on the hurriedly passed amendment to the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act last week that gives MLAs unwarranted powers over panchayats, which are themselves a separate tier of local government. Nandana Reddy and Damodar Acharya, its authors explain how the amendment is contrary to the spirit of decentralisation and the Constitution. They also outline the challenges ahead of us, if we are truly committed to  political decentralisation. 

Those of us who are determined to face these challenges head on need to join our hands to safeguard and nurture Panchayat raj. Only then can we celebrate the true spirit of the Panchayat Diwas.

We have an appointment with the Honorable Governor of Karnataka to discuss this matter with him tomorrow.

Best wishes

Kavita Ratna 

 

Back