UK minister to take notes from India’s Panchayati Raj system

Eric Pickles,Secretary for Communities and Local Govt will visit local govt bodies in rural India.

Eric Pickles,the Secretary for Communities and Local Government in the UK’s David Cameron government will visit India from April 18 to and see first hand country’s panchayati raj model of governance.

Pickles,whose responsibilities include transferring more power and democratic accountability from central government to local government,will meet Indian ministers,business leaders and community representatives.

An official release said the Secretary will use his trip to identify opportunities to build on trade links and business opportunities between India and the UK.

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The visit is also an opportunity to build a deeper understanding of the links between India and the Diaspora community in the UK and share ideas on community integration in India and the UK,the release added.

Before leaving for India,Pickles said: “India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and a leading trade and economic partner.

Like India,Britain has a very diverse society and a long history of benefiting from and welcoming the talents and contributions of people from all different backgrounds.

Strengthening the ties between our two countries is an opportunity to boost not only our business links but also share ideas on how to build strong cohesive societies.

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I look forward to meeting,listening and responding to a wide range of people on what is my third visit to the country.”

Pickles will visit Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Tumkur,Karnataka on April 19 to observe firsthand the functioning of the Zilla Panchayat and Gram Panchayat system.