AIZAWL, Feb 18 � The Centre has proposed to introduce Panchayati Raj system in the Northeastern region.
This was disclosed here today by a Central team currently visiting Mizoram to study functioning of local governments.
The Central team on �Decentralisation of governance in the local bodies� has expressed its idea for implementation of Panchayati Raj in Mizoram by converting the village councils into Gram Sabha and reservation of one third of the seats for women. The visiting team also informed Mizoram Government officials that the acts and rules on Panchayati Raj system would be reviewed and amended to suit the existing laws in force in the region on local governments.
The five-member Central team headed by additional secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Dr Hrusikesh Panda arrived here on February 16 to study feasibility of decentralised governance in local bodies. Other members are DoNER joint secretary Dr JP Sharma, Ministry of Home Affairs joint secretary (NE incharge) Shambu Singh and Prof MP Mathur from National Institute of Urban Affairs.
Panda said the proposed reservation for women in local bodies were not merely for equality, but due to the need for participation of women in administration.
