Need for devolution of more powers to rural and urban local bodies stressed

Eminent jurists and scholars underlined the need for devolution of more powers to rural and urban local bodies for elected representatives to discharge their duties within the constitutional framework.  

Speaking at Lawgical connect, a panel discussion on Concurrent List Constitutionalism, organised by the Sastra Deemed University Law School here, senior advocate C. S. Vaidyanathan said that amid turbulence in neighbouring countries, the Indian Constitution had stood the test of time. Detailing three major amendments to the Constitution, he said the 73^rd Amendment, which sought to devolve more powers to local bodies was one that touched the common man the most. He spoke on the need for rationalising the cess and surcharges collected and utilise them to create better social infrastructure with more involvement of the urban and rural local bodies.  

Senior Advocate Arvind P. Datar said that the Constitution was like a joint family where the Centre was the kartha and the States the co-parceners. In the light of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, he said that it was important to remember that above everything else “we must always think about a united India. We should set aside all differences and must think of working unitedly” . 

 Speaking about the tax aspect in our federal structure, he said there was a growing sense that the Centre was getting more from cess and surcharges collected and that it was not being shared with the States. There should be devolution of finances from the Centre to states. He opined that the freebies being promised and given was worrisome.  

Arghya Sengupta, founder and scholar, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, said that while the Constitution dealt with a vast variety of subjects, it did not speak about some new subjects like AI and it needed to be reviewed. He said that a stronger articulation of the third tier in the Constitution was needed. It is critical for us to understand that it is in the interest of the people that State, union and panchayats serve, he added.  

Advocate and moderator Amrith Bhargav and Sastra Vice Chancellor S.Vaidhyasubramaniam were present on the occasion.