Refer news item, ‘Govt. gives nod for incorporating ‘best areas’ of 73rd amendment’ DE July 30.
The decision of the State Government to incorporate some major provisions of 73rd amendment of the constitution of India into the Panchayati Raj Act is a healthy development as it will in real sense empower Panchayati Raj institutions in the State.
It may be said here that without granting them financial powers, these institutions are toothless tigers. The financial powers will enable them work independently and execute developmental works on time. In other words PRIs will not have to depend on whims and caprices of the State Government functionaries.
It is this handicap that prevented PRIs from taking firm roots in the State and evolution of local governance in the State. While granting them financial powers, it is essential that accountability and transparency in financial dealings remain their main concern. Recently, it was reported that two Panchayat members were involved in financial bunglings. Power brings responsibility and this principle should be observed in letter and spirit.
Yours etc….
Rajinder Jamwal
Samba
II
Panchayat members, as has been in consideration of the Govt deserve to be paid rightful remuneration for the time they have to devote for village activities. The onus of supervision of village works, as devolves on their shoulders, can effectively and sincerely done only if contracts for such works are not authorised to them. Both contractorship and supervision if given to a person the quality of work can’t be achieved. And perhaps, this has been the reason for poor completion of village projects like buildings, roads etc. It is like a pimple growing upon an ulcer. Already thick wave of corruption and system of commission is very much prevalent, combining both the duties, that is supervision and contractorship in one hand would mean total collapse of quality control of the works done. In the fitness of things it is necessary that no Panchayat member should be given contract of Panchayat works and instead, remuneration, as justified, be paid to them for their services. It is not supervising that when even in echelons, malpractices have raised their heads what can be expected of a man of common stature.
Yours etc……
Keshwa Nand Sharma
Salehri (Sunder Bani)
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