End the auctions

Sir, - Your Editorial `Auctioning of panchayats' (Sept. 29): Our Constitution was amended so that power would get decentralised and benefits would reach people in remote areas.

The Directive Principle (Article 40) says that the state shall take steps to organise village panchayats and to enable them to function as units of self-government. In the light of the Article, village panchayats were introduced through the 73rd Amendment in 1993. Municipalities were also incorporated through the 74th Amendment the same year. If auctions are allowed, then the very principle of the amendment becomes ineffective. Besides, as pointed out in your Editorial, auctioning would lead to caste clashes. All political parties must cooperate with the Government to put an end to the auctioning of panchayats.

M. Venkatesan,

Srivaikuntam, Tuticorin, T.N.

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