Kangra BDC members protest budget and rights cuts, warn of dharna

Spread the news

Kangra BDC members demand separate budget, greater development powers and flexibility in fund utilisation, warning of protest if concerns remain unaddressed.

Dharamshala, August 21

Panchayat Samiti members in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district have intensified their demand for greater financial powers and authority in development works. Members of the Panchayat Samiti Members Association, Kangra, gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office and urged the state government to address their concerns.

Association district president and Panchayat Samiti member Chaman Lal Kapoor said BDC members are elected representatives chosen directly by the people and should have an effective role in development activities. He said members currently lack sufficient funds to undertake development projects in their respective areas.

Kapoor expressed strong resentment over the Panchayat Samiti’s share under the 16th Finance Commission and demanded a separate budget for BDC members. He said adequate funds would allow them to undertake development works according to the needs of their constituencies.

He also demanded the removal of restrictions associated with tied and untied funds. According to Kapoor, Panchayat Samiti members should have greater flexibility in deciding how funds are utilized so that local development priorities can be addressed effectively.

The association also sought mandatory participation of BDC members in MGNREGA planning. Kapoor said proposals recommended by Panchayat Samitis should be included in the development work shelf prepared by Gram Panchayats.

He alleged that several development proposals submitted by Panchayat Samitis are not approved, resulting in funds being returned. He demanded greater control of elected members over Panchayat Samiti funds.

Kapoor also raised the issue of inadequate technical and other staff required for the functioning of Panchayat Samitis. He appealed to Panchayat Samiti members across Himachal Pradesh to unite and raise their concerns before the government and political parties ahead of the upcoming Assembly session.

Kapoor warned that if their demands are not addressed soon, members would pass resolutions across blocks and decide on further action. He said they may be forced to stage a dharna outside the DC office to press for their demands.