ITANAGAR, June 1 - The three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Arunachal Pradesh have ceased to function from May 31, according to an official communique here.
In a circular issued to Deputy Commissioners of districts, Secretary Panchayati Raj, Arunachal Pradesh, Bidol Tayeng informed that the term of the present Panchayati Raj Institutions (2013-18) in the State expired on May 31.
�Since the State could not hold the Panchayati Raj election in time due to certain constitutional issues, there will be no institution of PRI in the State with effect from June 1 till reconstitution of the PRIs after the next election,� informed the Secretary.
�While Govt is working to frame new Panchayati Raj Rules in conformity with �The Arunachal Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2018�, an institutional mechanism to discharge function of Panchayati Raj Institutions during transition period has been worked out by the Govt. The copy of the notification on the institutional mechanism is being forwarded to you (DCs) soon,� read the circular.
The State Assembly had in March passed �The Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2018� to have two-tier Panchayati Raj system, thereby removing the Anchal Samitis at intermediate level, in consonance with Article 243(B) of the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1992.
Meanwhile, reacting to the State Govt�s reported move to appoint Head Gaon Burahs (HGBs) and GBs as ex-officio chairperson and members at village level in place of GP Chairpersons and GPMs, the All Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Parishad (AAPPP) said that the Govt proposal �goes against the constitutional spirit.� It also said HGBs and GBs are appointed by the State Govt to head Kebangs to settle various local disputes at village level but not for developmental activities.
Further mentioning that PRIs function as the window for flow of Central funds, the AAPPP insisted, the sitting incumbents should be allowed to continue or PRI elections to two-tier system should be conducted forthwith.
