Addressing press persons after holding a meeting with the officials of various departments at the old senate hall here Fort on Tuesday, he said the Commission would also submit a proposal to the government appealing additional monetary assistance for the improvement of the government buildings in the district.

The 3rd Finance Commission has been constituted to give information to the government to provide funds to Zilla Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats, Gram Panchayats and other local bodies for the next five years for developmental activities. The office bearers of the Commission have already toured in 22 districts and collected information, Mr Gowda said.

Stating that he would recommend additional grants to Kodagu as the district faces unique problems, he said the demand for road development fund is Rs 20 lakh against Rs 10 lakh, which is being received at present.

When asked about the recommendation of the National Finance Commission of providing a separate road development fund to the district, Mr Gowda said such a proposal is before the present commission too.

He said he has information on the deteriorated condition of some of the government buildings of the district, and there is only 30 per cent fund available. Hence, he said he would recommend the government to release additional grants.

There are demands to provide more power and grant to Zilla Panchayats. The taluk panchayats have become weaker and there is a need to provide more schemes to them. The number of staffs should be increased to gram panchayats apart from strengthening their transparency and responsibility, he said.

Mr Gowda also said the government is mulling over the proposal of upgrading the Gram Panchayat secretaries into deputy tahasildars.

ZP President Deerghakeshi Shivanna, Vice-President Rajamma Rudraiah, CEO K R Sundar, Deputy Secretary Zhulfikar Ulla and Education and Health Standing Committee President B J Sanjay were present in the press meet.