Young and new faces have successfully knocked at panchayat doors in most of the villages.
For strengthening democracy, it is necessary to maximise the public’s involvement, and the situation is favourable for the same. The festival of democracy was celebrated with zeal. If we look at the celebrations in various wards after the victory of the candidates, one can feel that apprehensions like ‘democracy is in danger’ is totally baseless. State has accepted a three-tiered democracy system, and it is standing strong on the base of panchayats. If we look at the new leadership emerging out of the panchayat elections, one can assume that youth with the capacity to lead the State has made its political debut. The elections were declared, voting was conducted and one each from the candidates was elected. Now it is time to come together for the betterment of the village.
Panchayat elections are not fought on party lines, and there is a reason for that. The intention is to avoid differences at village level due to party politics. But political parties play their part from behind the curtains. They openly brag about the number of panchayats control. However, the festival of democracy has a unique importance. The constitution expects management of development at village level. One cannot ignore the role of the panchayat although it has been restricted to recommendations of developmental works, and that government has not decentralised power as expected.
The new faces at panchayat level have obviously raised the expectations. The central finance commission will directly provide money to panchayats. Thereby, the dependence on government will reduce. But, the panchayats need to focus on increasing their revenue. It is okay to meet the local MLA after being elected, but one should not completely surrender. A panch member should always be well aware about the difference in his duties and that of the local MLA. It is obvious thinking of the MLA, who is planning to win the next assembly election to have panchayat members at hand. Whether to be a puppet of such MLA, is however, an individual’s own decision. A few villages in our neighbouring Maharashtra have done ideal work. It is not necessary to follow them, but can definitely dare to think differently. The natural resources, environment, river, rivulets, water bodies, jungle, fields of the village need to be preserved. One should take a firm stand on whether to allow mega housing projects that completely change the face of the village. The new youth have several such responsibilities as panch members. They may not have the experience, but definitely have the power to think for the betterment of the village. There is enough evidence that they have thrown themselves in the panchayat election fray because of the solicitude they have towards their village.
Former CM Laxmikant Parsekar has confessed about the information he got that a few candidates have spent lakhs of rupees for the election while one has thrown his hat only to overcome his unemployment status. Every story has a dark side, and this is the dark side. However, one shouldn’t keep looking at the dark side, rather welcome the new blood that has come forward for the betterment of the village. Stepping out of the shadow of someone else’s influence, they should show the courage of thinking independently towards managing the development of the village and implementing it. The development of village and state will not be far if the strengths and opportunities in the village are identified. The weight has definitely fallen on the new shoulders after panchayat elections.
