'Gram Swaraj' launched in M.P.

By Our Staff Correspondent

BHOPAL, JAN. 26. The Madhya Pradesh Governor, Dr. Bhai Mahavir, today drew public attention towards the challenges and prospects of reconstruction due to the creation of the new State of Chhattisgarh while pointing out that the villages will now become autonomous units through the new system of Gram Swaraj (village governments) being launched across Madhya Pradesh today. The Governor, who took the salute at an impressive parade at the imposing Lal Parade Ground, was addressing the people of Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of Republic Day.

The Governor said that with Gram Swaraj in place, all decisions linked with village development would now be taken by the Gram Sabhas (village general bodies). Now, every villager would participate in the decision-making process as well as implementation of development related projects. The Gram Sabhas will also be responsible for sustainable exploitation and management of natural resources. Dr. Bhai Mahavir also threw light on village courts starting in the State today. From now onwards, there would be a seven-member village court for a group of ten or more village panchayats for providing quick justice.

The Governor also spoke about the initiative being taken in Madhya Pradesh for encouraging people's participation in different spheres and cited the example of the Rogi Kalyan Samitis that are helping in streamlining the hospital services through people's cooperation. This experiment has also been recognised and honoured with the Global Development Network award, he said.

The Governor also had a word of praise for the success registered in the State by the Rajiv Gandhi Watershed Mission and the ambitious Education Guarantee scheme and the universalisation of primary education programme, which has now been accepted as the national model.

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