Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KM/RD)

Mangalore, Jan 10: The Third State Finance Commission, headed by AG Kodgi, met the members of zilla panchayat at the ZP office here on Wednesday January 9 during his state-wide tour to gather statistics and opinions of the people's representatives in order to recommend plans to the government based on their priorities and needs.

Reiterating that ZP is a form of government, T Thimmegowda, member of the Third Finance Commission, said that the chief objective of the commission will be to strengthen the panchayat raj (local governance) within the framework of the commission. 

Acknowledging the fact that ZPs lack funds to implement the developmental programmes to the fullest, he said that the funds released purely for projects are lesser compared to the fund released for the other purposes, resulting in insuffiecient funds to carry out the projects.

The commission listened to the pleas of the representatives and put forth its opinions in turn.

Shashidar, secretary of the Finance Commission, Kunjappa, ZP CEO, Sucharita Shetty, ZP president and others were present at the meet.