Zilla, Mandal Parishads to receive funds akin to Gram Panchayats from next fiscal: KCR

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday said Zilla and Mandal Parishads would be given funds like Gram Panchayats from next fiscal.

He said funds for Zilla and Mandal Parishads would be earmarked in the 2021-2022 budget.

KCR said the New Panchayat Raj Act had empowered the Gram Panchayats with the power to utilize their funds totally without taking any permission from the Mandal and District level officials. He wanted this should be implemented effectively.

"The government has taken a decision to strengthen the local bodies and implementing it. As part of this, the Finance Commission is releasing funds directly to the Gram Panchayats and municipalities. Every month Gram Panchayats receive Rs 308 Crore and Municipalities Rs 148 Crore. Since there is no dearth of funds, programmes like Palle Pragathi and Pattana Pragathi are successfully implemented. Villages have now dump yards, Tractors, Plant nurseries and Vaikunta Dhams," he said.

KCR said special funds from the finance commission would be released to Zilla and Mandal Parishads. "If these funds are linked with the MNREGA more funds can be accrued. Fix responsibilities to Zilla and Mandal Parishads besides releasing funds. Officials should suggest what kind of responsibility should be given to Zilla and Mandal Parishads. I will discuss these suggestions personally with the Zilla Parishad Chairpersons. Then we will take a final decision. In all, the government would take measures to strengthen the Zilla and Mandal Parishads and make them play a more active role in the rural development," he said.

Chief Minister said they have incorporated conditions in the new Act for the Gram Panchayats to fully utilize their funds. "For Rs 2 Lakh worth of works, the old rule of taking permission from the Mandal officers is being implemented. This is against the new Act. The Gram Panchayats have every right to spend funds for the needs of their villages. No one should interfere in this. On this matter, the official should clarify once again," he said.