Haryana to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions: Khattar

With a view to realise the vision of 'Gram Swaraj' in its true spirit, the Haryana government has decided to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by transferring various kinds of activities such as developmental and maintenance to them in a phased manner.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here today presided over a meeting with the Administrative Secretaries of different Departments where he reviewed and discussed the activities pertaining to their departments which can be transferred to the PRIs, an official spokesman said.
Khattar directed them to make a provision so that Zila Parishads could function like autonomous bodies in the districts.

He also suggested to appoint independent Chief Executive Officers and Deputy Chief Executive Officers in all Zila Parishads as the representatives of the people are much closer to public rather than government functionaries.
"This would be a significant move in devolution of power to PRIs," the Chief Minister said.
While reviewing the structure of Panchayat Samitis, Khattar said an independent 'Gram Sachiv' (village secretary) should be appointed in every big village.
Funds for developmental purposes should be transferred to PRIs in relative terms rather than absolute, he said as he sought a detailed list of works alongwith the funds which could be handed over to Zila Parishads and Block Samitis.

All steps should be taken at the earliest so that necessary provisions in this direction could be implemented before April 1, Khattar added.