ITANAGAR, Sept 27 � The Arunachal Pradesh government is contemplating postponement of the Panchayat elections, due in the State in May 2013, and amendment of the Panchayati Raj for further strengthening the local-self governance in the State.
Responding to a private members� resolution brought in by Tani Loffa and four other members on the floor of the Assembly, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today informed that the government has already constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Secretary, Panchayati Raj, for suggestions on whether the Panchayati Raj elections could be deferred and some amendments made in Panchayati Raj. He said the committee is likely to submit its report within October 10. Further, a House committee, if required, will be formed to study the recommendations.
The last Panchayat election was held in May 2008.
House members reasoned that it will be difficult for the State, already devastated by floods and landslides in the latest spell of rainfall, to hold three-four elections within span of a year or two.
The elections scheduled in the State in the immediate future are the municipality election (first time in Arunachal) and then the Parliamentary polls followed by Assembly elections.
Those who took part in the discussion were Bamang Felix and Alo Libang of NCP, Karya Bagang and Laeta Umbrey (TMC), Nabam Rebia, Lokam Tassar, Phurpa Tsering, JK Panggeng, Kumsi Sidisow, Gojen Gadi (INC) and Tapen Siga (BJP). All of them favoured bringing in certain amendments in the Panchayati Raj to do away with its �defectiveness�.
