‘EOs can’t overrule decisions of GPs’
Executive Officer (EO) of Taluk Panchayat did not have any power to overrule decisions taken by elected members as it would be a violation of Panchayat Raj Act said Civil Judge Kottraiah M Hiremutt here.
Speaking at the one-day legal awareness workshop organised jointly by the Taluk Legal Service Committee, Taluk Bar Association here on Sunday, he said the decision of GP members are final. The role of EO comes only if the members undertake any project that is illegal and waste of tax payer’s money.
At that time the EO has powers to review the decisions. The posts of EO are created only to provide administrative assistance to GP members.
Judge I E Peethambarachar informed the gathering about the duties and rights of grama panchayat members.
He advised all members to be well informed about the Panchayat Raj Act. Without necessary information about law, members cannot make use of the various schemes provided by the government. Then the officials will dominate the functioning, which will deliver a blow to democracy.Grama panchayats should respond to issues like education, basic amenities, road, drainage, cleanliness, health, development of backward classes, and natural calamities.
They must utilise funds provided by both State and Union government for various developmental works effectively.
The grama panchayat has complete authority for development of facilities to people. He said GPs have the right to cancel the orders, which haven’t been ratified by the members.Civil judge Raghavendra Shettigar, Tahsildar Chandramma, Taluk Panchayat EO Siddaraju, lawyers B Parameshwar were present.
