Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jan 21: The executive officer of Mangalore taluk panchayat has nullified a resolution passed by Bajpe gram panchayat on March 23, 2010. The decision relates to the hike in rentals on shops located in the local market and bus stand on percentage basis. The executive officer has found the said decision to be illegal.

There is a provision to fix the rent on shops belonging to the panchayat, which are located in the market and bus stand in Bajpe, through the process of auction on an annual basis. But, through a resolution passed by the said gram panchayat on March 23 last, instead of going for auction, the rent across the board was increased by a fixed percentage. On behalf of locals, a resident named Ratnakar Melanta had appealed against this decision, claiming that it had resulted in loss of income to the panchayat.

In exercise of powers vested with him under Karnataka Panchayatraj Act 1993, the taluk panchayat executive officer, passed orders on January 17, 2011, nullifying the above resolution, in public interest. He has also asked the gram panchayat secretary to initiate further steps as per section 203 of the said act.