Date:27/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/27/stories/2008072758440600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

LSP moots district-level governments

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: As part of measures to effectively decentralise power, the Lok Satta Party has proposed district-level governments to be headed by premiers and consisting of full-fledged councils of ministers.

The governments will assume office under a solemn oath and will work within the Constitutional framework, the Lok Satta president Jayaprakash Narayan stated while releasing to the press the party’s draft election manifesto here on Saturday.

The party threw open the draft for a State-wide debate and invited suggestions from public. The manifesto contains 50 ‘guarantees’ of the party to the people if voted to power.

Among the major guarantees, Dr. Narayan said, was development of a thousand small towns at a cost of Rs. 25 crore each to prevent migration of villagers to cities. A State-level Commission would be set up to finalise equitable distribution of river waters.

Speedy justice

The Lok Satta promised disposal of justice within 90 days by setting up a court for every mandal. Special courts would also be set up at district-level to deal with cases of corruption.