Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SM/NR)

Udupi, Sep 1: An interaction programme was organized by the Udupi Taluk Grama Panchayat Federation (GPF) here recently

Speaking on the occasion, A G Kodgi, chairman of the Third Finance Commission, advised the GPF that it should try to generate income, so that they are able to carry on the development works themselves, instead of depending on funds from the government.

The commission had written to the State Government not to impose commercial rates on the electricity being used by the gram panchayats, stated Kodgi. In his opinion subsidized rates should be fixed for the gram panchayats, he averred.

Gram Panchayat should fix metered tap to every houses so that the water is not misused, he informed further.  

Most of the grants allotted to gram panchayats were spent on clearing electricity bills, for water and streetlights, said Devdas Hebbar president of Belle Gram Panchayat. He even opined that hardly that there was hardly any money left for developmental work.