IMPHAL, January 30: The Manipur State Panchayat Parishad (MSPP) and the Directorate of RD and PR, Government of Manipur jointly organized the 29th Manipur Panchayati Raj Sammelan at Manipur Panchayat Bhavan, Porompat today.
Delivering the keynote address, Th Bhubol Singh General Secretary of MSPP said the 29th Sammelan is being organized to discuss issues faced by the elected representatives of the 4th Panchayat elections and to set up a new and strong Panchayati Raj institution so that the villages of the state can prosper.
Special invitee, RK Dinesh, Imphal East DC said the panchayat system prevailing in the state has been reduced to a two tier system even though it is meant to function as a three tier panchayat system.
It is time to examine the suitability of the structure of the system of the state, the DC said.
He continued that it requires staff, buildings etc for a full-fledged Panchayat system. The conversion of 100 panchayats into 20-30 will help in the devolution of power, he said.
The function was attended by Th Meinya Singh, MP Lok Sabha; Ameishing Luikham, Addl Chief Secretary RD & PR and Ch Bijenti Devi, Adhyaksha, Imphal West ZP; K TOmbi Singh, Adhyaksha, Imphal East ZP; Kh Surnalata Devi, Adhyaksha, Bishnupur ZP; and Bankim Singh Deputy Director, RD & PR as chief guest, president and guests of honour, respectively.
Speaking at the function, Th Meinya said that democracy makes people free and that people will face hardships if the panchayat election is not conducted in the right way.
He said, “We should understand our rights and responsibilities and work according to it”.
IAS officers should guide the elected representatives as Civil servants are the backbone of the administration”.
The Pradhan and member should monitor the works, while the people should monitor their works, he said.