News & Pics: Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Mar 4: Members of Kundapur Taluk panchayat(TP) boycotted their monthly panchayat meeting for the third month in succession demanding explanation on Section 143.

The citizens expressed their anguish at the repeated boycott of the meeting by the members which prevented discussion on the development of the taluk.

In the 27th ordinary meeting held at Panchayat hall on Wednesday morning, March 4, there was a demand for the clarification on Section 143. Three months ago, the information on Section 143 provided by the deputy commissioner was said to be incorrect. Such boycott was seen in the previous taluk panchayat meetings too. The members of taluk panchayat were determined in their resolve on obtaining clear information on Section 143.

One of the members, Pradeepchandra Shetty demanded an explanation whether the members should attend taluk panchayat meetings as per Section 143. He asked if there was value for the earlier decisions.

“The taluk panchayat is losing its prestige due to double standards of the district administration. Why should a member attend meetings with this mentality?” questioned Harkooru Manjayya Shetty.

“The absence of officials who should have been present at the meeting is like insulting the members. Though the matter is discussed in Vidhan Sabha and Vidhana Parishat and the answer obtained, the message has not reached the Taluk panchayat. The system should be condemned”, said member Pradeep Kumar Shetty.

“The panchayat raj is losing its value with such developments. There is no value for the elected representatives. There is no need to conduct meetings until clear answer is obtained from the government. The officials should maintain good rapport with the elected representatives in order to function successfully. It appears that the system has gone off tracks. The development is not conducive to the development of the district”, said member Raju Poojary. Shanker Shetty and Pradeep Shetty supported him in the discussion.

Taluk panchayat president Bhaskar Billava presided over the meeting. Vice president Nagesh Belooru, social justice committee president Navinchandra Shetty and Taluk panchayat executive official Sheshappa were present.