Meghalaya: Local self-government symbol of democracy, development says Om Birla
First Published: 26th February, 2021 16:18 IST
Local self-government is a symbol of both democracy and development Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday stated that it provides a framework for decentralisation of democracy. The Lok Sabha
Local self-government is a symbol of both democracy and development Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday stated that it provides a framework for decentralisation of democracy.
The Lok Sabha Speaker’s comments came at the inauguration of outreach and familiarisation programme for local bodies of North-Eastern States in Shillong.
“Local Self Government is a symbol of both democracy and development. It provides a framework for the decentralisation of democracy. It strengthens the democracy at the grass-root level through which citizens get an opportunity to become a stakeholder in the local self-government of their area,” the speaker said.
“There are several provisions in our Constitution providing optimal opportunities for the development of all the areas in the country. North East India is quite distinct from the geographical and socio-cultural point of view, therefore keeping it in view; a special provision for three Autonomous District Council for these States has been made in the Sixth Schedule of our Constitution,” Birla said.
The prime objective of setting up these Councils is to protect the rights of the tribal communities of the North East, provide them equal rights in the decision-making process and to ensure that their administration is carried out in accordance with their traditions and conventions, he said.
“Mahatma Gandhi believed that the soul of India lives in villages. He believed in rural self-government and the development of the nation (Rashtrodaya) through the development of the villages (Gramodaya). He believed that every village should be self-reliant. The Government is formulating policies and schemes to make this very self-reliance a nationwide phenomenon. But, a self-reliant India can only be possible when we are Vocal for Local,” he said.
Highlighting the digital penetration in governance, he said that e-Panchyat has been introduced which has brought revolutionary changes in the working of local self-government.
It is our responsibility to make a collective effort to make democracy strong, transparent and accountable, he added.
Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma, Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Metbah Lyngdoh, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Food Processing & Industries, Rameshwar Teli and a range of MPs from across the North Eastern region also took part in the event.
The programme was organised by Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
The theme of the programme was ‘Panchayati Raj System/Autonomous District Council-Strengthening Decentralised democracy’. (ANI)
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Lok Sabha polls: Outer Manipur candidates speak about their priorities if elected as MP
26th April 2024Live Manipur LS Polls: Altercation between NPF and Cong supporters in Ukhrul, EVMs damaged
26th April 2024Live Grassroot level workers are my biggest strength: Silchar’s Cong candidate Surya Kanta Sarkar
26th April 2024Live ‘Spiderman’ lands in Delhi police net
26th April 2024WE RECOMMEND
Meghalaya Govt yet to receive proceeds from successful bidders of coal auction in 2023
Justice BP Katakey told the government to allow the extension for a reasonable period of time to make the payment of entire auction value, if necessary in instalments
26th April 2024Meghalaya LS polls: BJP fully backed NPP, affirms cabinet min and BJP MLA AL Hek
In fact, Hek also turned down speculations that the BJP leadership could not convince its party workers to lend support to the NPP.
25th April 2024Meghalaya: Two arrested in connection with recent murder cases at Ichamati and Mawlai Mawroh
The identity of the arrested persons are yet to be revealed by the police.
24th April 20246 days on, no arrests yet in 2 minors gang rape case in Meghalaya
As per police inputs, the two minors who had gone to the annual fair at Chenga Benga which is close to the Assam border, along with two friends were gang-raped by a group of men on April 17.
23rd April 2024Battle for Tura LS seat: Is NPP relying on BJP for an easy win?
Meghalaya Education Minister and state NPP general secretary Rakkam A Sangma said, "This time it is a very interesting election we have experienced, unexpected. We had a very tough fight."
23rd April 2024