ADECOM Network

Date: 25.11.10                                                            Venue: Reena Mahal, Oulgreat

Mrs. Lalida, director of ADECOM stated that the Puducherry government has to conduct the local panchayat election subsequent to 36 years. In 2006 the Puducherry government organized the local panchayat election in three phases in various regions. One thousand one hundred forty eight (1148) members were elected, however, for the past four years the Puducherry government has not confered the roles and responsibilities to the elected local panchayat representatives. At the same time the elected representatives do not know their powers and roles in their respective villages.

On the second of October, ADECOM Network conducted seminar on panchayat raj for social field activist working from grassroots NGOs from Puducherry. The impact of the programme was the activist realized the importance of the local governance in Puducherry. As a follow up action, we decided to organize the seminar on panchayat raj to the elected women representatives. ADECOM Network organized to build the capacity of the local panchayatiraj leaders and also make them aware of their Powers and Responsibilities.

In her address she quoted the words of Mrs. Pratibha Patil, the President of India. She stated that the goal is to provide 50% reservation for women in panchayat and that urban local bodies have already been introduced and should amended this as a law. So in  the Puducherry local election the government should provide 50% reservation to women and also the political parties should implement the same in the upcoming elections. She also requested the Puducherry government to sanction the separate budget for panchayat.

Mr. M. Ramadoss, PMK MP:

In his speech, Mr. Ramadoss stated that today women are developing very well in the entire field, particularly in politics. Because women are involved in politics there is effective ruling structure without any corruption in politics. When Mr. Mani Sankar Iyer, minister of panchayat, from central government came to assess the real situation of Puducherry panchayat the elected women representatives boldly shared their demand with him. Women are not inactive by giving the situation in politics. The beneficiaries demanded him to meet Congress party leader Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to explain the situation of panchayat in Puducherry. He ensured to take them to Delhi to meet Congress party leader Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.

Mr. Inbakumar, Resource person Writer:

The Resource person spoke about the powers and the value of the Panchayat Presidents and also the history of panchayat raj, laws and acts related to the panchayat. He interacted with the participants and clarified their questions. He also explained the 73 & 74th amendments of panchayat raj.

Mrs. Sridevi chariman of Puducherry Municipality:

In her speech she spoke about women, liberation and political participation of women. Finally she sang the song about the womans’ empowerment. She expressed the situation of Puducherry’s political background and also explained that in legislative assembly all the members are men. So as women come forward to take part in political field she feels that they will be  good decision makers. She expressed her feeling that as a chairman she is hampered in her work because other political people not agree with a woman’s decision. So as a women panchayat representative you should be alert and play a active role in the panchayat.

Mr. N. S. J.  Jeyabal, Leader Oulgrat municipality:

He quoted the issues of commune panchayat in oulgrat Municipality and also techniques to improve the self help groups in Puducherry state. Now the panchayat they implemented only one project SJSRY this project is only for womans’ development. He wants all kinds of women  to occupy these schemes. He requested puducherry government and the government of public projects should implement these policies through the panchayat  Raj.

Booklet of Panchayat guidelines released:

Mr. A. John Kumar, Vice-chairman of Puducherry Municipality published the booklet of Panchayat women representatives ADECOM network. He handed over the booklet to Mr. N. S. J.  Jeyabal, Leader Oulgaret municipality

Forum Formation:

In continuation to the special address by the chief guests, Elected Women Panchayat Forum was formed. The elected members’ details were given below:

Elected Women Panchayat Forum Leaders

Resolutions:

Ø  All political parties should provide 50% reservation for women panchayat representatives in the upcoming elections have already been announced.

Ø  Government schemes like education, health agriculture  should implement through panchayat

Ø  Separate expenses should amend for the panchayat and it should be declared in the budget

Ø  Panchayat budget amount should social audit and given to panchayat

Vote of thanks was given by Mr. Idayamani, Project In charge ADECOM network.

Participants Details: