Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 7: Former Minister and working chairman of NPP Harshdev Singh (MLA) has criticized the Government for causing inordinate delay in release of honorarium for Sarpanchs and Panchs in consonance with the assurance given by it in the House.
In a press statement issued here today, Mr Singh pointed out that the Minister for RDD during budget session had stated that proposal of giving honorarium to the elected members of Panchayats had been moved to the Finance department and certain emoluments had been recommended for Sarpanchs, Naib Sarpanchs and Panchs. Despite assurance by Minister in the House, Government has failed to take any action in this regard, NPP leader maintained.
Mr Singh said that Section 10 of the Panchayati Raj Act categorically provides for payment of monthly honorarium to elected Sarpanchs alongwith sitting fee to be paid to Panchs. Section 79 of the PR Act provides for payment of honorarium / sitting fee to the members of Panchayati Adalats. He demanded that Government should fulfill its commitment at the earliest.