Against the fast growing tendency of centralization in politics, administration, economy and planning, Socialist Party (India) has decided to hold ‘Chaukhambha Raj’ (Four Pillar State) convention in all the states aiming at de-centralization of power. The first such convention held in Jalandhar, Punjab, on 1st November 2014. Dr. Prem Singh, national general secretary of the party inaugurated the convention and it was presided over by Justice Rajindar Sachar. Mr. Ravi Kiran Jain, vice president, PUCL, and a well known scholar and champion of the concept of decentralization attended the convention as chief guest.
He, in his speech, argued that in a centralized system there is no hope for socialism and even genuine democracy. Decentralization is a pre-condition for democratic socialism. That is why Dr. Rammanohar Lohia propounded the concept of Chaukhambha Raj which provides equal power to all the four pillars – village, district, state and centre. Giving reference to the Directive Principles of the State and the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution, he emphasized that the real power should be given to local bodies such as panchayats and municipalities. Justice Sachar, in his presidential remarks, said that political power is centralized in the hands of the prime minister and economic power is centralized in the hands of a few corporate houses. This hegemony must be broken through de-centralization and power should be given to the local bodies.
The convention was addressed amongst others by the national vice president, Socialist Party, Balwant Singh Kheda, Socialist comrade Ajay Sood (Moga), Prof S.S. Chhina (Amritsar), Journalist, Punjabi Tribune Hamir Singh, (Chandigarh), President, Punjab Panchayat Union Harmindra Singh Maavi (Ludhiyana), Jathedar Kewal Singh (Amritsar), Senior member, PUCL, Roshan Lal Batra (Chandigarh), Advocate Jintendrajeet Kaur, (Chandigarh), Water activist P.K. Rana (Hoshiarpur), RTI activist, Parminder Singh Kitna (Navan Shahar), General Secretary, Socialist Yuvjan Sabha, Delhi, Shashank Singh.
The conference was also attended by various Activists, intellectuals and Artists of Punjab. On this occasion Justice Sachar released the Punjabi book titled as ‘Andaman te Nicobar de taapu ate utthon de lok’ written by Dr. S.S. China. Mr. Ravi Kiran Jain, Mr. Ajay sood, Mr. Harmindra Singh Maawi, Mr. P.K. Rana and Mr. Parminder Singh were felicitated by the Socialist Party for their contribution in different fields.
In the end, Harendra Singh Mansahia, President, Socialist Party, Punjab, presented the vote of thanks and Mr. Om Singh Satiyana, general secretary, conducted the proceedings.
The Punjab unit of the Socialist Party announced that it will lead the movement for the rights of panchayats and municipalities, which have been guaranteed by the Constitution of India. The party will organize convention in each district of Punjab to increase the awareness of the people about the de-centralization and to include them in this movement. Dharnas, protests and satyagrah will be held against the violation of constitutional rights of the panchayats and municipalities by the Punjab government. The next ‘Chaukhambha Raj’ convention will be held in Kerala in the month of December.
Dr. Prem Singh
General Secretary/ Spokesperson
Mobile :-9873276726
