Industry body, ASSOCHAM, on Friday called on the private sector to involve themselves more in panchayati raj institutions for better governance at the grassroot level.

“The involvement of the private sector in panchayati raj institutions will help generate a competitive culture and improve efficiency,” Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) said in a review report.

Coming together with private agencies could produce a multiplier effect in infrastructure development and employment generation, it said.

The report was released on the eve of National Panchayati Raj Day tomorrow.

Panchayats can also promote rural business hubs with public private partnership models, identify skills and natural resources of the area and attract foreign investments to add value to agriculture and other rural produce, ASSOCHAM said.

The corporate sector has managerial skills, planning and capital. It can easily provide due benefits and relief to the farming community.

“The Ministry of Panchayati Raj should make a roadmap to involve corporate sector and strengthen all activities related to agriculture”, it said.

ASSOCHAM also called upon respective state governments to introduce a system of social audit to ensure transparency, viability and efficient implementation of projects.

It said there are over 2.30 lakh gram panchayats, 6,000 intermediate panchayats, 540 district panchayats across the country.

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