The absence of an elected body has severely impacted the functioning of gram panchayats in Karnataka. Former members have raised concerns that these local governance units are starved of funds because the central government has not released the 15th Finance Commission grants. They attribute this delay to the failure of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department to allocate earlier funds in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Financial crunch cripples gram panchayats
Gram panchayats, which are the bedrock of rural self-governance, are facing a severe financial crunch. Without an elected body in place, decision-making and fund utilization have come to a standstill. The former members emphasized that the lack of funds has disrupted essential services such as water supply, sanitation, and road maintenance in rural areas.
Role of the Rural Development Department
The Rural Development and Panchayat Department has been criticized for its failure to ensure the timely allocation of funds. According to sources, the department did not follow the guidelines set for the distribution of the 15th Finance Commission grants, leading to a halt in releases. This has left gram panchayats with no resources to carry out their developmental activities.
Impact on local governance
The absence of elected representatives has further compounded the problem. Without a gram panchayat president or members, there is no one to approve projects or release funds. This has led to a complete paralysis of local governance, affecting the lives of millions of rural residents. The former members have urged the state government to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest.
Way forward
To restore normalcy, the state government needs to expedite the process of holding elections for gram panchayats. Additionally, the Rural Development Department must ensure that the 15th Finance Commission grants are released promptly as per the guidelines. Only then can the gram panchayats resume their essential functions and serve the rural population effectively.
