District Councils pivotal for local development: Om Birla

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Using the phrase "Vocal for Local", the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held high the role of the Autonomous Districts Councils in the State and the region. Delivering his inaugural speech on the 'Outreach & Familiarisation Programme' for local bodies of Meghalaya and other north-eastern States, in Shillong on Friday, the Lok Sabha Speaker stated, "The Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) hold a pivotal place in the process of local development. Their members have full knowledge of the strengths of local areas which can be optimally utilized for the socio-economic development of the people living in those areas."

Stating that the Union government intends to give a boost to the local area development, Om Birla further pointed out, "The Autonomous District Councils function as a mini legislative body. Therefore, the objective of the discussion and dialogue held there should be to ensure accountability of the executive.

Urging the elected members of the local bodies to focus on actions and programmes, Speaker Birla also asked them to develop the nessecary systems and procedures.

Dwelling on local self government as a symbol of democracy and development, the Lok Sabha Speaker urged the participating members to be prepared to tap the new opportunities to their maximum.

Referring to the concept of self reliance as the concept of the nation, the Speaker said, "It is necessary that the District Councils and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) should deliberate upon the developmental programmes encompassing the concept of inclusive growth."

The Lok Sabha Speaker also spoke on the importance of IC&T (Information Communication & Technology) to bring local government in tune with today's requirements. "The system of e-Panchayat has been introduced; and it has brought revolutionary changes in the working of local self government. I would like to urge the Autonomous District Councils and Panchayati Raj Institutions to also make the maximum use of IC&T and digital innovations in its functioning so that the administration could be made more transparent, accountable and accessible to the people".

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