Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today stressed on the importance of knowing the country and its illustrious past in order to gain a sense of pride.
Speaking at function in the city of Taj Mahal, Tomar said the monument has given India an identity in the world.
Presenting awards to children who won the "Bharat Ko Jano" quiz competition organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad here, the Steel Minister noted that the kids who participated in the competition from all over the country reflected unity in diversity which was the foundation for a strong India.
He emphasised on learning about the country's illustrious past, saying that it would instill a sense of pride in people.
Minister of State for HRD, Ram Shankar Katheria was also present on the occasion and gave away awards to victorious children.
Katheria said that India's development depends on the will power of youth, and the country's real assets are not in banks but in its children.
(REOPEN MDS 5)
Tomar said the Centre was keen on prioritising waste
management.
"Panchayats in Tamil Nadu are generating income from waste management and this can be adopted across the nation. They convert the waste to fertilisers and the inconvertible ones are sold," he said.
The Union minister said this model has been implemented in 9,000 villages and generate around Rs 40 lakhs from the whole process.
Tomar also expressed hope that implementation of the Tamil Nadu model initiativewould eventually help alleviate poverty.
The conference, organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, has participation from delegates from Brazil, Russia and China apart from officials of civic bodies from different Indian states.
"Local bodies should be empowered for sustained and comprehensive development of nation. Hence, the Union government has earmarked Rs two lakh crores for Panchayats.The fund should be efficiently utilised for better projects aiming the upliftment of rural India," the minister said.
He said the government would organise training programmes for all panchayat members across India.
Minister of State, Panchayati Raj, Parsottambhai Rupala, said though participatory budgeting and decentralisation of India has grabbed international interest over the years, the conference aims to initiate dialogues and understand international practises.
Vinay Sahsrabuddhe,MP, while delivering the key-note address, said democracy without public participation is like a temple without an idol.
K T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department of Kerala, highlighted the importance of Mahatma Gandhi and decentralisation concept.
"We have a good system of decentralisation with Grama Sabhas. The concept itself was coined by Mahatma Gandhi who urged for self sufficiency of villages. And India is following his path," he said.
