Members in dark over projects: Acrimony in ZP meeting

Social Welfare Dept to construct buildings for hostels

At the beginning of the meeting, the officer from the Education Department explained the schemes concerning his department. He put forth the proposal to repair classrooms and providing infrastructure at schools. However, Vijayalakshmi Chowdegowda, who represents Byrakuru ZP constituency, complained that she has not been furnished any information on the schools. She was joined by another member Yashodamma. A heated discussion ensued over officers not taking ZP members into confidence over the development projects in their respective areas.

Action plan
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer G V Rangarao suggested to prepare the action plan for utilisation of the funds excluding that meant for salary. A verbal due ensued between Vijayalakshmi Chowdegowda and CEO Rangarao. The meeting was informed that there was no need to obtain administrative sanction for the projects once approved by the Zilla Panchayat.

The officer of the Social Welfare Department informed that a sum of Rs one lakh had been reserved for repair of every hostel in the taluk.The meeting asked him to spend the money wherever found necessary and to restrain from preparing an action plan. It was also directed to construct own building over government site at places where the Department is running hostels in rented buildings.

Members Shamegowda and R Krishnappa took the Forest Department to task for its “style of functioning.” Yashodamma took exception to sending women for training to Chintamani and men to faraway Maharashtra.

Replying to the allegation, Agriculture Department officer Chikkanna said women were not being sent to faraway places owing to “security” issues. However, Yashodamma refused to agree and instructed to send only women for the next training. Taluk Panchyat acting president Shyamalamma Venkatesh, Planning Officer Venkataravanappa, TP Executive Officer Sanjappa and others were present.