from Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (RD/CN)

Bantwal, Feb 4: Although the taluk panchayat (TP) plays a vital role in Panchayat Raj (local governance) and enjoys power, its functioning has been hampered due to shortage of funds from the government.  The unavailability of funds has delayed various projects thereby putting the TP in a dilemma, said Chandrahas Shetty, president, taluk panchayat.

Addressing media persons at the press club here recently, Shetty expressed his displeasure over the curtailing of funds for various development works of the TP, though MPs, MLAs and zilla panchayat (ZP) are offered additional financial assistance.  TP is not in a position to honour the demands of its citizens for better amenities, he alleged.  The presidents, vice-presidents and members of various TPs across the state are urging the government to take serious note of this issue, added Shetty.

Nemmadi Centres have become ineffective owing to apathy of its officers and the government should hold them accountable for efficient management, he said. The selection of beneficiaries for issuing ration cards and its distribution has been messed up as the gram panchayat and elected people’s representatives have not been taken into confidence, he added.

The delay in implementing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been caused due to lack of information provided to likely beneficiaries by the officers, said Shetty.  The scheme would get a major boost in the coming days, as union government will release additional funds for this, he emphasized.

Around 20 departments functioning under TP are efficiently managing their state of affairs.  Moreover, as a few departments including revenue are facing shortage of staff, the issue will be brought to the attention of the state administration, he said.

There has been no politics involved in any development work under his term, which were executed in consultation with both opposition party and administration.  MLAs, office-bearers of various gram panchayats, and TP members, are extending their support, said Shetty.

When asked why long pending development works are still unexecuted, he responded that Samarthya Soudha will be constructed soon at a cost of Rs 36 lac.

TP vice-president Kanchalakshi, steering committee president Flossy D’Souza, and manager Krishna Naik, were present at the press meet.

Taluk Working Journalists’ Association president A Gopal Anchan welcomed.