From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Sep 6: In a bid to strengthen the working of the grassroot-level panchayat raj bodies, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress regime has decided to implement the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA) for strengthening of gram panchayats and gram sabhas.

Under the ambitious programme announced by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H K Patil, the members of all the gram panchayats and gram sabhas would be provided with training.

A sum of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for implementation of the RGPSA in the current financial year, Patil told reporters in Bangalore on Friday.

As much as 20 per cent funds would be linked to States’ performance on devolution and accountability as per the RGPSA.

State governments are required to prepare perspective and annual plans to access funds under the scheme.

The RGPSA is aimed at providing training for members of GPs and various department officials at the GP level for effective implementation of a 15 point programme of the Government.

With panchayats are playing a key role in rural governance and socio-economic development, the State Cabinet has accepted the implementation of the centrally-sponsored scheme across the State.

Of the Rs 100 crore outlay proposed for the entire programme in Karnataka, the minister said the State Government would contribute Rs 25 crore and rest would be borne by the Centre.
 

Objectives of the Abhiyan

The objectives of the RGPSA are:

• Enhancing capacities and effectiveness of GPs and the gram sabhas; 
• Enabling democratic decision-making and accountability in panchayats and promote people’s participation;
• Strengthening the institutional structure for knowledge creation and capacity building of panchayats;
  Promotion of devolution of powers and responsibilities to panchayats according to the spirit of the Constitution and PESA Act.
   

Under the programme, he said members of GPs and gram sabhas would be provided with technical and administrative support, strengthening their infrastructure and e-enablement, promoting devolution and improving their functioning.

One training and orientation centre would be established in each district for holding training to GP members, he said.

Resource personnel drawn from various institutions would train members on implementation of 15 point programme such as setting up mini water supplying units, construction of toilets, roads, cattlesheds, playgrounds, watersheds, computer centre, self-employment, he said.

Each GP has been directed to rejuvenate one tank in their jurisdiction.

A total of 5,500 tanks would be rejuvenated this year, the minister added.