Democracy starts from beneath: Sonia

Underling the importance of Panchayati Raj institutions in strengthening the roots of democracy, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today said that the governance of people start from lower level and not from top of the establishment.

New Delhi: Underling the importance of Panchayati Raj institutions in strengthening the roots of democracy, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today said that the governance of people start from lower level and not from top of the establishment.

Addressing the National Convention of District and Intermediate Panchayats' presidents today in the Capital, she said that installation and proper functioning of peoples' power had been a dream for long. "Today (15th anniversary of Panchayati Raj) is like a dream come true. It is a matter of pride for all of us that our roots of democracy is so powerful. You all are the leaders from ground level and we know, democracy is built from beneath."
Panchayati Raj institutions were given constitutional status on April 24, 1993 by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, in which elected representatives of districts, intermediate and village level were conferred with social and administrative powers.

Panchayats have ensured effective participation of marginalised sections of society, which Sonia said is the most remarkable feature of it. "Our Panchayats have 10 lakh elected representatives as women which is more than the total number of elected women in the world. It is our responsibility to maintain national and social unity along with high rate of growth by through participation of all. Our UPA government has taken some historical steps to empower aam admi," she said.
Sonia said that the goal of 11th five year plan is "development for all" which can only be achieved by collective efforts. "UPA government has taken some historic steps to not only empower people but also to inform them about the status of developmental works. Every body has their share in the growth of the country and we are working towards taking the fruits to all," said the Congress chief.

A study report on the elected women representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions was presented to her on the occasion.

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