The Prime Minister has called upon the states to ensure decentralization of power under panchayati raj system becoming a reality. Addressing a function to mark National Panchayati Raj Divas 2013 in New Delhi Wednesday morning, Dr Manmohan Singh said elected representatives should get their powers and responsibilities in real sense of the term.

Calling for further strengthening of the panchayati raj institutions across the country Dr Singh assured all possible Central assistance to the states to make development process more inclusive and sustainable. He said that participation of local people has increased in panchayats.

People have become more aware about politics by strengthening panchyat.

Dr Singh said that 15 States have reserved 50 per cent seats for women in Panchayats which have helped more than a million women to get elected to the local bodies.

The Centre has allocated over Rs. 6400 crore in the 12th five year plan for panchayats which is about ten times higher than the allocation in the 11th plan.

He hoped that states will make full use of it for strengthening local self government institutions.

On complaints about unwillingness of the bureaucracy at the Central and state levels to share their powers with local bodies, the Prime Minister stressed on changing the attitude.