Ludhiana, Aug 03: Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today said that the process of implementation of the Panchayati Raj and Local Bodies Act to make elected bodies self reliant would be started from October two to coincide with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Addressing a state-level convention of members zila parishads, block samitis and municipal councils, he said that all the provisions of the Panchayati Raj act, under which the control of 29 departments would to be handed over to the panchayats and municipal councils, would be fully implemented in a phased manner within a three-year period.

In the first phase, the control of five components: primary education, medical and health services, veterinary services, pensions schemes of social welfare department and drinking water schemes would be handed over to these elected institutes, he said adding funds amounting to Rs 242 crores have been earmarked for the purpose for the year 2003-04.
Criticising the NDA government for its "discrimination" against the congress-led state governments in releasing the funds, Singh said, "The Centre has not even approved the prestigious diversification of agriculture scheme of Punjab".

He alleged that the NDA government had not released Rs140 crore for the balance payment of sugarcane in Punjab.
Mani Shankar Iyer, MP, chairman panchayat member AICC, addressing the convention, said the party had initiated the process of implementing the Panchayati Raj act in all Congress-led states.

Bureau Report