The Panchayat Raj Hakkottaya Andolana, an NGO, has urged the government to withdraw the recent amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act before end of monsoon session of the Assembly.

Speaking to media persons here on Monday, Kavita Ratna, convener, said though the Governor returned the recently-passed amendment seeking an explanation, the government is going ahead and tabling it in the current session. The amendment seeks to curtail the powers of panchayats.

The Andolana will take out in a State-wide protest in every gram panchayat, she said.

The Andolana stated that no public debate was held in the previous session before the amendment was tabled.
“The legislative assembly had passed it with a significant majority. We hope the recommendations of the Governor and appeals made by the Andolana will make legislators to give a second thought to the issue” she added.

The Andolana will also meet Veerappa Moily, Chairperson, Administrative Reforms Committee shortly, to hold discussions on protection of constitutional rights of panchayats, Ms Ratna said.

DEMANDS
*Ensure that the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2007 does not become law
*Review of all Government Orders and programmes and bring them in conformity with  the 73rd Constitutional Amendment
*Publish and circulate info on GPs’ performance