ZP must work to remove inferiority complex from rural masses'

Mangalore, April 24: One of the immediate steps the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat needs to take is to drive away the feeling of inferiority complex from rural people said Dr. Sripathi Kalluraya, Lecturer of Economics, Mangalore University.

He was delivering the key-note address at a programme organized by Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat to celebrate the National Panchayat Raj Day in Mangalore on Tuesday.

Stressing on the need to bring the rural populace to the mainstream, Dr. Kalluraya said that the Panchayat must take confidence building measures and involve the rural people in their programmes and discussions beisides counseling them. He added that the Panchayat must figure out ways to utilize the rural expertise, their natural technology and skills.

Stating that Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat is stronger compared to other Zilla Panchayats in the state, Dr. Kalluraya said that it can partake in greater developmental activities in collaboration with the Dharmasthala rural development programme.

Pointing out that Panchayat Raj is 'our' system which has been in place in India for years unlike other systems of town planning and corporations which are foreign influences, Dr. Kalluraya said that of late a feeling of seeing everything in the prism of legality and legislature and ignoring the cultural norms has been disheartening.

Janardhan Gowda, President, Social Justice Standing Committee, in his inaugural address said that Panchayat Raj's true purpose is served only when it uplifts the weaker and marginalized sections of the society.

Dr. K N Vijayaprakash, CEO, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat urged the officials of the Panchayat to put in their best and work with utmost dedication so that the goals set by the Panchayat are achieved successfully. He urged the members of the respective standing committees to ensure that electricity and toilet facilities are taken care of at Anganavadis, parks are created for physically challenged, rehabilitation facilities are provided to nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and education of their children is taken care of via residential schools and so on.