Upgradation of 347 GPs on the anvil

The government is expected to take a decision in this regard, after Chief Minister Yeddyurappa returns from his China trip.

Minister for Municipal Administration Balachandra Jarkhiholi, in a press conference on Tuesday, said the department had prepared a proposal for upgradation of 247 gram panchayats.

In addition, MLAs had proposed upgradation of 100 more gram panchayats. Totally, 347 proposals had been pending in the department.

As per the norm, Gram Panchayats with total population between 10,000 and 20,000 can be upgraded to Town Panchayats.

The minister has asked the Director of Municipal Administration to submit his recommendations on the proposals.

GP polls

The minister said the Gram Panchayats were scheduled to go to the polls in January 2010. The State Election Commission has asked the government to take a final decision on upgradation of Gram Panchayats before September-end, so that the Commission can go ahead with its preparations for the elections.

The minister also said the government would soon take a decision on declaring Tumkur City municipal council a corporation.