Date:05/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/05/stories/2006040502551500.htm

National

Panchayati Raj: Sikkim in third slot

Special Correspondent

It has set an example for the rest of the country: Mani Shankar Aiyar

NEW DELHI: Sikkim has been rated the third best performing State in implementation of the Panchayati Raj after Kerala and Karnataka. It scored 592 points out of 600 in an evaluation by the Union Panchayati Raj Ministry for 2004-05.

Sets an example

Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar announced this here on Tuesday after signing a joint statement of conclusions with Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for strengthening the State's panchayats. "Sikkim has set an example by successfully implementing the Panchayati Raj Act in letter and spirit," he said.

Under the agreement, Sikkim will complete activity mapping within three months, separate the State budget into State sector and Panchayat sector by October, strengthen district planning committees and issue guidelines for their functioning.

The Ministry, on its part, will provide financial and technical assistance for capacity building of elected members and officials.

Rural business hubs

It will assist in setting up rural business hubs and technical assistance for recording and preserving biodiversity at the gram panchayat level, as mandated under the National Biodiversity Act.

Mr. Chamling said he would work to achieve the top rank by implementing all aspects of the Panchayati Raj Act within the next six months.