Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Nov 06: The UT Administration is making steady efforts for devolution of more powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions in these islands. Speaking to, the Secretary, Rural Development, Mr NK Sharma said that a recent meeting held under the chairmanship of the Lt. Governor and the Chief Secretary decided that under the process of decentralization of rights more powers, functions and funds will be transferred to the Panchayat Raj Institutions.
As part of the proposal, three Check Dams in South Andaman has been handed over to the Zilla Parishad from the Andaman Public Works Department. Before the local body elections, it was also decided to devolve several administrative powers relating to community development to the Panchayati Raj Institutions, informed Mr Sharma.
The proposal of the Lt. Governor and the Chief Secretary is aimed at empowering the Panchayati Raj Institutions and powers vested with Departments like Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Forests etc in relation to projects for village development is being considered for devolution to the Panchayati Raj Institutions.
The Adhyaksha, South Andaman Zilla Parishad, Smt Minati Biswas, said that recently some divisions of different Departments have been handed over to the Zilla Parishad, but the initiative has not been implemented in totality. A meeting in this connection was held recently and the Zilla Parishad, South Andaman has submitted a representation to the Administration demanding early implementation of the proposal.
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