On the 22nd of March 2015, a training programme on Panchayath Raj in India was held in CODP. Chief Guest Mr. Shirthady William Pinto and the Director of CODP, Rev. Fr Oswald Monteiro were present on the dais.
Rev. Fr Oswald Monteiro in his introductory speech said that society needs intelligent, honest, hardworking representatives to run the government. Empowerment of women focuses on women’s leadership in local bodies. Further, he said that our CODP is working for the women’s empowerment in various places. This leadership is to be exercised in the local elections. Today’s training is to be understood from this background.
Resource person Mr. William Pinto Shirthady, in his session, said that the poor people have been exploited from centuries. The Schedule Castes and Schedule tribes are the worse affected people. If we take part in the election of Panchayath election, the governance would be in our hand and we can develop the society according to the needs and wants of the common people. By this way we can look after the needs and wants of the downtrodden and poor people.
Mr. Mohammad Badaganur conducted the next session and explained that in 1993, 73rd Amendment of Indian Constitution was passed and the Panchayath Raj System came in to force. This gave more power to the common people. The three tier Panchayath Raj system came into existence. They are Local Panchayath, Taluk and District Panchayath Raj System. In this system there is also reservation for women and the backward class people. The Panchayath Raj election is to be held once in a 5 years. Funds are also made available for the Ward meetings. He then concluded by saying that if people take part in Panchayath Raj System there will be true democracy in India since Panchayath Raj means decentralization of power.
Ms. Revathi Animator of CODP welcomed the VIPS on the dais, Mrs. Vani animator of CODP compeered the programme and Mr. Sujan Crasta, Coordinator of CODP proposed the Vote of Thanks. There were about 75 participants in this training programme.
