Date:26/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/26/stories/2005092618040100.htm

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Women panchayat presidents seek more powers

Staff Reporter

Cooperation from officials demanded

HIGHLIGHTING A POINT: Tamil Nadu Women Panchayat Presidents Association president Ponni Kailasam addressing the annual mela of elected women presidents and representatives of local bodies, held at the Gandhigram Rural Institute on Sunday.

DINDIGUL: : Women panchayat presidents sought more powers and adequate cooperation from officials to fulfil the needs of people. They said the Government should formulate schemes to address specific needs of local bodies as common projects would not bring the desired results.

A majority of speakers at the annual mela of elected women presidents and representatives of local bodies in Tamil Nadu, held at Gandhigram Rural Institute on Sunday, alleged that the women panchayat presidents could not get officials' cooperation, even in evacuating encroachments. Rivers and tanks were encroached upon in almost all panchayats, they said, adding that the Government should support panchayats fully in removing encroachments. Water bodies should be handed over to panchayats for maintenance.

Many women presidents have been struggling to get even the basic needs of people fulfilled. ``It is pathetic that no action is taken by the district administration on important proposals passed at the gram sabha," a panchayat president said.

In his inaugural address, Collector S. Murugaia said that self-reliance, cooperation, public spirit and self-sensitive were four essential qualities for one to become a leader. DRDA Project Officer P. Murugesan advised women to face challenges with courage. GRI Vice-Chancellor T. Karunakaran suggested cluster formation for creating common infrastructure.

Tamil Nadu Women Panchayat Presidents Association president, Ponni Kailsam, said that resolutions were passed, demanding disbursal of State and Central funds to all panchayats on the basis of population, reduction of power tariff, and stern action against officials supporting `katta panchayat' elements.