73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (Panchayat Raj): Experiences, Issues, Challenges and Opportunities with Special Reference to Uttar Pradesh
Governance in democracy works when citizens and the most marginalized people have the capability to ask questions, seek accountability from the state and participate in the process of governance. Democracy becomes meaningful when people can shape the state and the state, in turn, creates enabling social, political, economic and legal conditions wherein people can exercise their rights and achieve freedom from fear and want.
After almost two decades, panchayat raj in India has been a matter of debate and speculation about its performance and impact. All the major states have completed at least four rounds of panchayat elections. Looking in to the relevance of new system, it is important to evaluate the ground reality and potentiality of the panchayat raj system in Indian States, particularly Uttar Pradesh which has shown a consistent performance with respect to the rural grassroots democratic institutions. The issues of people’s participation through gram sabha; representation of marginalized sections of society; women’s participation in panchayats; working of panchayats; panchayats and bureaucracy; devolution of powers; financial status of panchayats; decentralized planning are of prime concern for debate. The crucial significance is also of the principle of accountability and regular social auditing of the performance and transparency in the form of information pertaining to all the activities of panchayats. Keeping this background in view, Centre for Human Rights, Dr. Ram ManoharLohiya National Law University, Lucknow is organizing a “National seminar on “Two Decades of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (Panchayat Raj) : Experiences, Issues, Challenges and Opportunities with Special Reference to Uttar Pradesh” to discuss threadbare the multi-faceted issues related to panchayats in Uttar Pradesh. It will be aimed to understand the macro and micro dynamics of decentralized governance in Uttar Pradesh. This will help to find out the issues, challenges, opportunities and problems of governance at the grassroots level. It is important to note that the panchayat elections are due in the second half of this year and the preparation are going on for this. This is the right time to organize the seminar with the aim to bring all the stakeholders at the same platform where they can share their experiences and bring useful suggestions to make the grassroots institutions more participative and efficient.
SUB-THEMES
• Response of the State Government to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act: Devolution of Funds, Functions and Functionaries
• Panchayat Elections and Emerging Profile of Representatives: Changing Power Structure, Leadership and Social Settings
• Empowerment of Marginalized Section (Women, Dalits and Tribals) and their Participation
• Community Assertion for Participation in Planning, Convergence, Implementation and Monitoring
• Transparency and Accountability, Decentralized Planning and Finance
• Emerging Conflicts between Public Representatives, Bureaucrats, Local Bodies and Civil Society
• Society Organizations and Parallel Bodies, Capacity Building Initiatives and their Problems
PAPER SUBMISSION DETAILS:
Papers on the aforesaid themes are invited from interested scholars and professionals. Abstracts (400 words) should reflect a judicious blend of theoretical rigour and compelling empirical evidence and must clearly mention the theme and methodology. Abstract and paper should be sent electronically to [email protected]. The last date for submission of Abstract is 15th January 2016. Last date for submission of Full Paper will be 30th January 2016 (typed in Times New Roman, maximum 5000 words). Presentation: Selected papers will be presented in different technical sessions followed by discussion.
Publication: Accepted papers would be published in form of Seminar Proceedings to be released along with Souvenir at the time of Seminar. The Department is in touch with some leading publishing house for the publication of some selected papers of the seminar in the form of a book.
REGISTRATION FEE:
Registration fee for all the participants is Rs.1000/- per head. Cheque or draft should be drawn in favour of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University payable at Lucknow. Registration fee would cover Seminar Kit, meals and photocopies of circulated papers/CD of papers presented in the seminar. The organisers will make efforts to provide modest accommodation to outstation participants subject to availability of the same in University guest house/ hostels of the University. Lucknow city has a number of good hotels with the tariff varying from Rs. 500 for a Non AC single room upwards. Participants willing to stay in hotels and pay for the same may contact the Organising Committee for bookings at least 15 days in advance.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Seminar Dates: 5-6 February 2016
Abstract Submission Date: 15th January 2016
Full Paper Submission Date: 30th January 2016
FOR FURTHER DETAILSRam Manohar Lohiya National Law University
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