Karnataka - Mangalore   

Government Order draws flak from ZP members

MANGALORE: Members of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat have opposed a Government Order (GO) which has altered the provisions of Chief Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana (CMGSY) at the general meeting here on Tuesday.

As per the GO, the projects under the CMGSY and the 12th Finance Commission grants meant to develop rural roads, have to be taken up under a package tender process to the extent of Rs. 60 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.

The zilla panchayat had received an initial allocation of Rs. 12.42 crore, including Rs. 9.17 crore under 12th Finance Commission funds, Rs. 1.85 crore under CMGSY, and an additional Rs. 1.30 crore, also under CMGSY and Rs. 10 lakh under taluk panchayat scheme.

Subsequently, the Government reduced the allocation under 12th Finance Commission to Rs. 5.52 crore and the total allocation to Rs. 8.78 crore.

What piqued the members was the fact that the Government not only cut the allocation under 12th Finance Commission funds but also directed that the projects be taken up under a package tender system. The GO was also specific on the zilla panchayat taking up the maintenance of existing asphalted roads. The GO did not permit the body to take up development of metalled roads in the district.

Sundar Gowda Ichchila, ZP member, said it was important to asphalt metalled roads so that rural people had better access to various places. He also questioned the rationale of the Government in changing the basic purpose for which the funds were initially sanctioned. A.C. Bhandary, member, said effective use of grants should be more important than official adherence to a GO which was curtailing the rights of members.

Not satisfied with the official clarification, the members refused to approve an action plan prepared for the purpose.

They decided to urge the Government to change the norms mentioned in the annexure to the GO, drop the package contract system, and restore the original allocation of Rs. 12.42 crore.

The members have decided to meet the Governor and appraise him about their stand on the issue.

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