'Panchayat Raj system not implemented properly'

Speaking at the second day preparatory session of the three day Gram Sawarajya-2011 conference, former Union Minister said “the economic reforms introduced by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh way back in 1991-92 has resulted in economic growth. Though the government passed Panchayat Raj Act through 73rd and 74th amendments during the same period, we have failed to give priority to reforms in Panchayat Raj system and focused on economic reforms. As a result, we find ourselves to be one of the richest country with poorest people”, he added.

Briefing over the economic growth rate and political unstabilisation over the last 20 years, Aiyar said “we should have our economy going forward besides people going forward.

However, today situation is exactly opposite, where economy is reaching the sky and the people are not, which is truly an unstable situation.”

He said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi considered Panchayat Raj a national issue and not a political issue, he added.

He said in India there are as many as 300000 Panchayats and about 32 lakh elected representatives, of which 12 lakhs are women. The central government and Planning Commission agree that Panchayat Raj system is not being properly implemented.

He said though the central government spending huge amount on social sector and anti poverty programmes, the outcome is nill. According to the United Nations Human Development Index, India was at 134th position in the world in 1994.

Sarcastically, even today India’s position is 134 in spite of spending huge amount on social sector.