Daijiworld Media Network – Manglauru (EP)

Mangaluru, Aug 20: MLC Manjunath Bhandary has written to chief minister Basavaraj Bommai requesting to withdraw the government notification regarding terminating the positions of Karnataka gram swaraj and panchayat raj president, vice presidents and members. He stated that if the orders are implemented, the rights of elected representatives will be curtailed.

It is not right to transfer the rights regarding the process of termination from the state government to the taluk panchayat executive officer. The procedure should remain as it was and the government should form rules to use them impartially.

The notification does not explain the bad behaviour that makes one bow his head that is mentioned in it. Gram panchayat elected representatives are concerned that the taluk panchayat officer is likely to misuse the lapse. It is the responsibility of the government to treat the gram panchayat members with respect.

A high level committee presided over by the chief minister is formed as per Karnataka gram swaraj and panchayat raj Act. Any amendments to the Act should be accepted only after holding discussions in the committee. I have expressed my concern as the responsible MLC, he stated.