JOIN US'Don't let citizens suffer due to political rivalry'
Supply of water to villages has been affected by political rivalry, alleged Gowda, and requested the DC to take politicians who indulge in such acts to task. “Varthur Prakash, who is Kolar MLA and District In-charge Minister, is resorting to cheap politics instead of ensuring government facilities reach the poor and rural areas get water supply.”
Support and water
Gowda added that Varthur says he will provide borewells only if they support his party. He has also recalled the trucks that had been brought to the villages to sink borewells in the rural areas, he said.
The State government had ordered sinking of borewells in the region, Gowda reminded. “But, since the officers have dug only up to 800 metres, we have not found water yet. They should be ordered to sink at least 1,200 metres,” he added.
The former minister spoke about other problems faced by the citizens. “A secretary has even created a khata of a road in Cholaghatta in favour of a private person. Beneficiaries for the Ashraya housing scheme were selected through gram sabhas. Yet, the residents of Muduvatti informed me that the executive officer of the Kolar Taluk Panchayat, under instructions from the minister, has prepared a new list,” said Gowda and asked the DC to analyse the list and ensure the actual beneficiaries get justice.
Residents of Chatrakodahalli, Beglihosahalli, Muduvatti and Doddahasala accompanied Gowda to the DC’s office.
Officers’ politics
They said that the officers at the Gram Panchayat only follow orders of the minister and his supporters. Higher officials had been informed of this many times, but the situation had not changed. “Many officers work from the minister’s house, instead of the Panchayat,” they complained.
Reacting, the Deputy Commissioner said action would be taken if officers act against the law. The panchayat secretary who created a khata of a road in Cholaghatta will be given notice, he added.
“Nobody should resort to gimmicks with regard to drinking water facilities. There is enough money in the natural calamity funds. Resolve the drinking water problem will be given priority,” promised Meena.
Speaking about the beneficiaries of the Ashraya scheme, the DC said a legislator had rights to correct variations in a list prepared through the gram sabha. “But he or she has no authority to change anything in the lists without reason,” he said and added that he would confirm from the Taluk Panchayat executive officer if a legislator has done so, and deal with the matter appropriately.