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Civic bodies have little power

Special Correspondent

Elected representatives say their hands are tied

Puducherry: When elections to municipal councils, commune panchayats and village panchayats were held after 38 years between June and July last in the Union Territory, there was a feeling of joy among political parties and apolitical organisations. However, it was a short-lived elation.

Elected representatives expressed concern that their hands were tied. There was much hue and cry about Puducherry being made a full-fledged State with special category status. But when it came to devolving powers to the civic bodies, there was much "reluctance." One of the municipal heads said posts of public health officer and revenue official in the municipality remained vacant for almost a year.

Asked if there was a proposal to take up the issue with the Union Panchayati Raj Minister, one of the chairmen told The Hindu that this could be done in no time. "We still go by promises given to us by the Chief Minister N. Rangasamy that our requirements will be met and that the financial and administrative powers will be sanctioned."

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