JORABAT, Nov 14 - A two-day seminar, �Panchayati Raj and Rural Development in India � Problems and Prospects�, organised at Sonapur College by the college�s Department of Economics in collaboration with the Geographical Society of the college, concluded today. The seminar was sponsored by the UGC.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof Dilip Kr Baruah, former principal of Cotton College on November 13. The keynote speaker was Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury. The guest of honour was Dr Amarendra Kr Thakur, HOD of History, NEHU.
In his inaugural speech Prof Baruah said that people�s participation and inclusive development in Panchayati Raj is lacking and this is why the Panchayati Raj system is less succesfull.
Dr Choudhury expressed concern over the lack of women�s empowerment and willing participation in the Panchayati Raj system in India. He added that in theory women have been given powers, but in reality it is exercised by their male counterparts.
Dr Thakur said that the socio-economic development schemes that were formulated by the Central goverment and meant to be implemented by the gaon panchayats, were not properly implemented.
Today�s technical session was chaired by Dr Archana Sarma, Department of Economics, GU. She rued that the gram sabhas and gaon panchayats which were supposed to be neutral institutions working for the overall development of their respective areas, have become politicised.
Fifty-two research scholars presented papers at the seminar.
