Developmental funds to be routed through panchayats

CHENNAI - The central government is planning to route developmental funds through panchayats in order to wean people away from Maoism and prevent youth from joining the rebels, Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V.Narayanasamy said Tuesday.

This was discussed at a meeting of te Planning Commission chaired by the prime minister some days ago. The government is also looking at the possibility of allowing the tribals to use the minor forest produce, Narayanasamy told reporters here.

He also said that the government hopes to introduce the women’s reservation bill in the Lok Sabha during the winter session after discussing the issue at an all-party meeting.

“The prime minister has agreed to call the meeting and we hope to introduce the bill in the winter session. A discussion on population stabilisation is also slated during the winter session,” Narayanasamy said.

Queried about the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill, 2010, he said: “Our allies have expressed their views on the bill. They have said market rates have to be paid while acquiring the land. A new bill has to be drafted. The winter session may also see introduction of bills relating to allowing foreign universities in India, insurance and pension sector.”

Condemning Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for disrupting Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings during the monsoon session, Narayanasamy said that the main opposition party wasted 45 precious hours of the two houses.

He said BJP leaders should be ready for discussion and not for disruption.