'Give more powers to three-tier panchayat bodies'

Addressing mediapersons here on Monday, Bhandary said that ZPs in the state are deprived of its powers and rights as most of the sanctions are not being released properly. A delegation of 24 ZP presidents have already met Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar in Bangalore on November 11. “We have expressed our dissatisfaction with regard to government’s negligence towards ZPs,” he added.

Bhandary said that the sanctions under the 12th Finance Commission has not been released properly to Dakshina Kannada ZP. While Rs 9.17 crore is still due to the ZP under the 12th Finance Commission, Rs 3.76 crore yet to be released under the 50-54 head from the state, he explained.

Though the ZP had submitted an action plan of Rs 53 crore for the implementation of drinking water schemes in the district, the government had released only Rs 12 crore in 2008. Similarly, when the ZP submitted a list of development works to be taken up under the 50-54 head, the government released limited funds under the 30-34 head, he alleged.

Rain relief
Bhandary demanded that the government should sanction atleast Rs one crore towards rain havoc relief fund to all zilla panchayats. Government should also increase the allowances and honourarium of elected representatives in zilla panchayats, he said adding that ministers have assured to fulfil the demands put forth by the ZP Presidents’ Federation.

Irregularities in RGIDWS
Bhandary said that the ZP will discuss about the report submitted by the Babu Mogera Committee with regard to allegations of irregularities in the Rajiv Gandhi Integrated Drinking Water Scheme (RGIDWS) in the district. Answering to the queries, he said that the issue will be taken up in the next general meet of ZP.
ZP vice-president Jagannath Saliyan, Health and Education Standing Committee chairperson Rajashri Hegde and chief executive officer P Shivashankar were present.