"The scheme will start from 2012-13, that is the first year of 12th Five Year Plan. It will require the states to undertake reforms, devolve funds, strengthen state election commissions and finance commission and set up Mahila Sabhas," Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs V Kishore Chandra Deo told reporters here.
Under the new scheme, special attention will be paid to meet the nutrition requirements of people in villages and to provide basic aminities such as health, sanitation and drinking water.
For ensuring transparency and accountability, Deo said,"We have advised all states to videograph proceedings of Gram Sabha and I hope they will comply with this as it will ensure transparency in their functioning."
He said that all states have been advised to hold Gram Sabha meetings on nutrition in August as this is period where food is scarce in various parts of the country.
On meeting their infrastructure needs, he said out of the 2.40 lakh panchayats in the country, only 60,000 have the facility of a Panchayat Ghar and provision has been made for the states to meet this requirement.
Replying to a question on empowering panchayats in the Naxal-affected states, he said, "Elaborate guidelines have been made for this purpose. We will take all measures to ensure that these guidelines are implemented. We have to be little more vigilant."
Underlining that Panchayats Raj is a concurrent issue, he said states also must take initiative for empowering the villagers and gram sabhas. (MORE)