Kottyam 17-12-2011: The Gramasabhas should be devoid of politics, said CM. He stressed that the efficiency of the grama sabhas should be strengthened and this would pave way for revitalizing society.

He was inaugurating the State level inauguration of the training programme organised by Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) for grama sabha of Puthuppally grama panchayat.

CM also said that the Gramasabhas should act as a catalyst for development and growth at the grassroots level. Only if the functions of Gramasabhas are strengthened can the three tire panchayath system can become effective, added CM.

It is utmost important that the grassroots level bodies were kept out of politicking. Otherwise the efficiency of Gramasabhas will decline. The grama sabhs provide a platform for people's participation in deciding the development and growth at the local level. Being the basic unit of participatory democracy, the vibrancy of the grama sabhas is essential for the vitality of the panchayati raj system, he said.

Over 38 lakh people in 19,255 wards would be trained during the one-month period. The programme has been designed to give a fillip to the functioning of the grama sabhas by ensuring effective people's participation, their effective intervention in administrative and developmental issues, and to create the right attitude among the people.

TheCM also released the handbook for grama sabha members, prepared by KILA. Jessymol Manoj, president, Puthuppally grama panchayat, chaired the session. Valsmamma Mani, member of Ward 16 (Angadi) welcomed the gathering.