Tirupati, Mar 22 (TNT) : Public participation and decentralisation are vital for the success of Panchayat Raj reforms, experts said at an online policy review on “Recent Reforms and Developments in Panchayati Raj Administration in AP,” organised by the Academy of Grassroots Studies and Research of India (AGRASRI) here on Sunday.
Dr. G. Venkata Narayana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chittoor Zilla Praja Parishad, who was the Chief Guest at the event, said Panchayats play a key role in delivering welfare and development schemes to rural populations, noting that reforms since Independence, particularly the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, have strengthened grassroots governance.
He highlighted that Andhra Pradesh’s Secretariat (Sachivalayam) system has improved service delivery within stipulated timelines, while recent administrative measures such as promotions and clear demarcation of duties have enhanced governance at the grassroots level.
AGRASRI Founder and Director Dr. D. Sundar Ram said that despite over three decades since the 73rd Amendment, full devolution of funds, functions and powers to Panchayats remains incomplete in many states, affecting rural development outcomes.
He called for capacity building of elected representatives, village-level planning, stronger grievance redressal mechanisms, and greater empowerment of Panchayats to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Dr. R. Ramana Prasad, Regional Director of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and CEO of the Tirupati Hub, stressed the importance of digital governance and institutional reforms, expressing optimism that recent state initiatives would strengthen rural administration.
Delivering the keynote address, T.M.B. Buchiraju, Honorary Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Services Association, called upon state governments to support Panchayats by effectively implementing the recommendations of the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions.
He emphasised that funds allocated by the Centre for welfare schemes should be transferred directly to Panchayats.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening Grama Sabhas to ensure transparency and citizen participation, while reiterating the need for direct fund transfers and effective implementation of Finance Commission recommendations.
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