Local bodies should strengthen own revenue: Min

Kochi: Local self-govt minister K M Shaji on Tuesday urged panchayats in Kerala to reduce their dependence on govt grants and achieve financial self-reliance by increasing own revenue. He made the remarks while inaugurating a workshop on the Atmanirbhar Panchayat scheme at Kalamassery.

He added that financially stressed local bodies should identify ways to mobilize resources.The minister also stressed that true decentralisation requires transferring both financial resources and decision-making powers to local bodies. He said the govt would work towards devolving all powers that can be entrusted to panchayats within the federal framework.