The effectiveness of village councils' work was discussed at a dialogue platform in the Shumilino district
At the meeting of deputies of the district and village councils with the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, the topic of amending the fifth section of the Constitution of Belarus, concerning local governance and self-governance, was a recurring theme. The day before, meetings with voters were held in the village councils, and the results were summarized at the meetings of the coordination councils, so the heads of the village councils had something to offer and discuss at a higher level.
The discussion was held in the form of an active open dialogue with reasoned proposals and remarks. A pressing issue is the effectiveness of the work of rural councils of deputies. Is this body of local governance needed, or has it outlived its purpose and should be replaced by another, choosing other forms of interaction with the population and authorities? Should elections of village council chairmen be held, or should they be appointed by the head of the district? The majority of speakers noted that the institution of village councils is necessary, as it serves as an intermediary between the population and the leadership of the district and region. It is always easier and faster to address the needs and problems of citizens at the local level. And to solve these issues, they would like to have their own funded budget to direct funds towards improving people's quality of life.
As for the form of obtaining the position, the opinion of the majority is as follows: elections of village council chairmen should be held, not appointments. The main argument is the higher level of public trust in a candidate elected by the people. At the same time, the head of the village council bears increased responsibility, both personal and public.
And one more point discussed at the dialogue platform was related to elections. The residents of Shumilino proposed holding them on the same day, both at the local and republican levels, to save budget funds and for the convenience of citizens.
The attendees also advocated for the preservation of sole executive bodies of territorial self-government, which in the Shumilino district are represented by village elders. The argument in their favor is that they live in villages, know the people and their problems, and work individually with each person. In large settlements, this structure should be expanded, as one person cannot cope. For example, street and house committees could be created. This would allow for more targeted and focused efforts on improving and tidying up the land.
The Shumilino district already has examples of personal initiative by citizens to improve the condition of their yards. They collectively carry out repairs, landscaping, greening, and equip playgrounds and recreation areas for the elderly.
– This helps unite citizens, directing their strength and energy towards creation, – noted Irina Novikova, Chairperson of the Shumilino District Council of Deputies.
At the same time, it is desirable to involve active villagers in the improvement of park areas and the burial sites of soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War. Such deeds serve unity and cohesion.
In addition, at the meeting of deputies of various levels, the issue of the necessity of preserving the district deputy corps was also discussed. The attendees were unanimous in their opinion that this institution of power should be retained.
The discussion of the topics raised at the dialogue platform showed that the work of local government and self-government bodies needs to be developed and improved. The population should be actively involved in solving some issues, particularly in tidying up the land and improving personal plots and adjacent territories.