The Prime Minister today stressed the need for Panchayati Raj institutions to work effectively in remote and backward which include most of the tribal areas saying that this will help in dealing with problems like Maoism. <br/><br/>Addressing a National Conference to mark the National Panchayatiraj Diwas in New Delhi today Dr Manmohan Singh said that the partnerships of Panchayats in developmental plans is necessary because they fully understand the local needs. <br/><br/>He said for this purpose special importance has been given to the implementation of the various schemes of Panchayati Raj institutions in the 11th Plan period. The Prime Minister said that the government is aware of the difficulties that are being faced and that is why the efforts has been to make arrangments for funds , functions and functionaries and other basic facilities for Panchayati Raj institutions. <br/><br/>He said that the government wants that the capacity of these institutions is increased. He said that he is happy to note that a draft roadmap for changes required in laws ,constitution, and policies required to empower Panchayats is being discussed. He also stressed the need for making the functions of Panchayats transparent and accountable and wanted that the conference to also deliberate on the role of Gram Sabhas. <br/><br/>While referring to the proposed increase of women reservation from 33 percent to 50 percent in Panchayati Raj institutions, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that once this is implemented the number of women in these institutions will go up to 14 lakhs from the present 10 lakh. <br/><br/>The Prime Minister also released State of Panchayats Report for the year 2008-09. The two volume report is an independent assessment done by the Institute of Rural Management Anand. Dr. Manmohan Singh also presented awards for the States doing excellent work in Panchayats. Kerala was adjudged the best State and Karnataka was on the second position.