As the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments of 1992 established a system of local self-governance in India by introducing Panchayati Raj in rural areas and Nagar Palikas in urban areas, it can be termed as revolutionary change in the social democratic set up, said former Election Commissioner J S Saharia. He was speaking at the session organised by the Post Graduate Department of Political Science of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) here in the city on Friday.

 

He was expressing his views on the topic ‘Electoral Politics in Maharashtra’. Vikas Jambhulkar, head of the department, presided over the programme. Dr Mridul Nile of Mumbai University; and Dr Harish Wankhede of Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi, were among the prominent persons present on the occasion. Speaking further on this occasion, he said that the three-tier has done an important job of decentralization as well as increasing the participation of women, dalits, tribals, nomads and marginalized groups in the democratic process. Saharia said that the expected amount of research is still not being done in the university and various research institutes regarding the election process in the local self institutions in the state.

 

The key speaker on the occasion Prof. Dr Mridul guided the students on the topic “Conducting Election Surveys: Formulation, Implementation and Analysis”. Dr Harish Wankhede highlighted how freedom, transparency and fair elections can be evaluated. Dr Jambhulkar also addressed the students. Prof. Dr Pramod Kanekar conducted the session while Prof. Kishor Naitam proposed a vote of thanks.