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The major goal of transforming panchayats into institutions of self-governance is yet to become a reality.

Hyderabad March 22 The Centre for World Solidarity (CWS), a voluntary organisation, has initiated a programme to strengthen Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand and Puducherry.

The goal of transforming PRIs into institutions of self-governance and instruments of economic development with social justice is yet to become a reality in many States because the Act concerned is not being implemented in its true spirit.

The crucial "devolution of powers" to PRIs has remained on paper in most States.

The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj has entered into MoUs with various State Governments to take up the task of devolution expediently.

The Andhra Pradesh Government entered into an MoU in April 2006 to devolve 10 subjects on the principle of subsidiary to three tiers of panchayats.

Almost a year has passed but nothing has happened in the devolution front, the CWS said.

On the other hand, parallel structures have been created for the implementation of various other foreign-funded programmes.

In view of the various challenges that have cropped up before PRIs in different States, the CWS is organising a three-day national workshop on `Empowering Panchayats: Issues and Strategies' on March 28-30.

The broad topics for the workshop are: national scenario of panchayats, working towards self-governance through devolution of powers, district planning committees and planning from below, empowering process of women and the marginalised sections through panchayats, challenges and opportunities for civil society organizations etc., according to a release.

More Stories on : Politics | Andhra Pradesh

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