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| Panchayat rally runsintocontroversy |
| The note by his ministry's director-finance calls the estimates ad-hoc that needs realistic pruning. Mani Sankar Aiyar is unfazed.
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| INDIA
, 30-November-2007
1:23:6 AM |
| Panchayati Raj minister Mani Shankar Aiyar is getting a lesson in austerity.
He has been forced to slash the estimated budget for his Panchayati Raj rally by less than half.
First, Aiyar asked the cabinet to clear Rs 165 crore. He was asked to revise the budget and he came back with a figure of Rs 102 crore, still too much said the cabinet.
The latest ask is Rs 72 crore from the Backward Region Grant Fund.
Even Aiyar's own ministry is not convinced.
The note by his ministry's director-finance calls the estimates ad-hoc that needs realistic pruning. Mani Sankar Aiyar is unfazed.
''It's the symbol of power to the people and to spread awareness we want a big event,'' said Mani Shankar Aiyer, Minister, Panchayati Raj.
The Opposition is wary the Congress is usurping Panchayati Raj platform. Then there is the logistical nightmare.
Around 1.25 lakh participants have to be brought to Delhi from all over the country. Air, rail and road services will be hit and about a 1000 buses for local transport will choke Delhi roads.
Around 250 hospital beds have to set aside. Officials fear poor planning can create law and order problems.
''It's difficult for us to manage. We can give land but everything needs to be done by the Centre and it will foot the bill,'' said Shiela Dixit, Chief Minsiter, Delhi.
When Rajiv Gandhi brought Panchayati Raj amendment he talked inclusive politics.
Manmohan Singh is talking inclusive growth. One can only hope this Mahapanchayat can hasten inclusive growth.
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