LS wants more, extends session

While MPs belonging to almost every party took part in the discussion, the interest taken by the Congress was particularly noticeable. This was partly due to the fact that Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi sat through the debate for several hours. One reason for that was clearly sentimental 8212; more than one member stressed the fact that it was Rajiv Gandhi who ushered in the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts which sought to devolve power to local bodies in both rural and urban India.

Mani Shankar Aiyar, the Congress8217; star speaker, said thanks to the acts India had 30 lakh elected members of panchayat of whom 10 lakh were women 8212; a feat unprecedented in history and in the world. But despite this achievement, the goal of self-government had not yet been reached because bureaucrats continued to rule the roost. Unless they were made answerable to the elected representatives at the village and district level, real devolution would not take place, Aiyar said.

Several members echoed Aiyar8217;s view that gram sabhas should be empowered to take all decisions relating to village development and funds should be directly sent to them.