State Level Workshop On Empowering Panchayatraj Institutions In Karnataka

Workshop organized by Karnataka Regional Organization for Social Service, Bangalore, and Janavikasa, Karnataka in collaboration with Caritas India.

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment to decentralize power came into effect two decades back and now the time has come to review, brainstorm and find ways and means to strengthen the Panchayatraj institutions said Mr. Venkatrao Ghorpade while speaking at the convention and came up with certain revolutionary ideas, like women’s special gram sabha, gender budget and gender planning and said that 20% of the state budget should be earmarked for empowerment of Panchayat raj institutions and to create a special cadre for local self governance.

His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Moras presiding over the function appreciated the work done by KROSS and its 14 partner organizations at grassroots level. He called upon the NGOs and Officials to work selflessly for the development of the villages. He also said that if people do not encourage corruption we can see a change in our society.

The President of Janavikasa, Mr. Wilfred D’souza in his opening speech said that Karnataka is the 1st state in India to implement Panchayatraj system and is model to other states. In 1983, the Panchayatraj Act brought freedom to the local institutions in programmes, staff and fund transfers. He gratefully remembered Dr. Abdul Nazir Sab’s contribution to the Panchayatraj system.

Mr. J. Alexander, IAS, Ex-MLA released the book Panchayatraj and wished that the work undertaken by KROSS bears fruit.

Special invitee, Sri Ivan Nigli, Ex-MLA wished the convention all success and hoped that the NGOs who gathered together would be able to influence in strengthening the Panchayatraj system.

The other dignitaries present were Fr. Fredric D’souza, President Caritas India, Mr. Jimmy Mathew, State Officer, Caritas India, Mr. Shivanand Tagdur, Vice President Media Association in Karnataka and Dr. Rita Noronha, Social Activist.

Fr. Peter Brank, Director, KROSS welcomed the gathering and Fr. Veeresh Moras. Director, SMSSS was the compere and Mr. Raja Hunsur, Janavikasa thanked the gathering.