Bhubaneswar, Dec. 7: Former Supreme Court judge Ananga Patnaik today said devolution of power in the right spirit was the correct way to pay tribute to former chief minister Biju Patnaik, who championed the cause of gram panchayats.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the panchayati raj department to commemorate the late leader's birth centenary, Justice Patnaik said: "Power must go back to the people. Until this happens, the fruits of democracy cannot reach the people living in the rural pockets."

He also narrated tales of Biju Patnaik's transformation over the years.

"During his first term as chief minister, Biju babu had thought of an industrialised state. He pushed industrial projects such as the Odisha Textile Mills and the Kalinga Tubes. However, during his second tenure from 1990, Biju babu was a changed man. He focussed on the decentralisation of power and empowering the panchayati raj system. He had realised that unless people at the grassroots level were empowered, there would be no development," he said.

Justice Patnaik also urged the bureaucracy to delegate more power to the panchayats and allow them to take decision on issues such as revenue generation.

"At the same time, funds from other sources should be given to the panchayats, so that they can carry out development programmes," he said.

"There is a necessity for the growth of industries. Otherwise, the middle class will suffer. But, there should be a balance between rapid industrialisation and the growth of panchayats with focus on equitable distribution, inclusive growth, decentralisation of power."

The former apex court judge also advised the media to showcase a positive image of the state and not always air the negative stories.

Institute of Social Science chairman G. Mathew, who was also present at the event, said: "We are talking about a smart city. Now, with the change of time, we should focus on building smart panchayats by providing them all the facilities."

Mathew also recalled how Biju babu had backed the idea of a village head being treated as the chief minister of that area. "We have to go a long way in empowering the people," he said.

Panchayati raj minister Arun Sahoo recalled the introduction of reservation for women in the three-tier panchayati raj system, which was implemented by Biju. "The department is moving ahead in creating a smart panchayat in the state. We are going to provide laptops and computers to the village-level extension officers." On the occasion, the panchayatri raj department organised a photo exhibition on Biju Patnaik life and the growth of the panchayati raj system in the state.