New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-As ‘Panchayats’ is a State subject, the Panchayati Raj system is primarily the responsibility of the States. The Ministry of Panchayat Raj supports strengthening of Panchayats through its various schemes. It operates the Backward Regions Grants Fund (BRGF) in some identified backward districts of the country. Under the Scheme, untied funds are given for meeting critical gaps in local infrastructure and other development requirements. BRGF also aims to strengthen Panchayats through its capacity building component. Under the Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana (RGSY) financial assistance is provided to the non BRGF districts for capacity building and construction of Panchayat Ghars. The e-Panchayat scheme strengthens Panchayats by e-enabling. Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan (PMEYSA) focuses especially on Elected Women Representatives. The Ministry also rewards States which devolve powers to the Panchayats to encourage State Governments to strengthen Panchayats. This information was given by the Minister of Panchayati Raj Shri V. Kishore Chandra Deo in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
