State finance panel aims to meet basic rural needs

Based on the experience gained during the extensive tour of the rural and urban local bodies in Orissa, the 3rd State Finance Commission (SFC) has recommended devolution of funds for various socio-economic activity which will go a long way in meeting some basic needs of the people in rural areas.

This included the provision for rural water supply, development of water bodies, maintenance of minor irrigation facilities, sanitary facilities, improvement in street lighting in the villages, development of cremation ground and construction of community hall or training Centre for the self help groups (SHGs) with Kiosks facility and protection of environment in the form of setting up of 10 herbal gardens in each block, sources said.

Out of the total devolution of Rs 3360.64 crore to the rural local bodies from 2010-11 to 2014-15, the Commission recommended Rs 478.40 crore for operation and maintenance of rural water supply including tubewells during the award period. Similarly, to promote connectivity in rural areas, it has recommended Rs 266.9 crore for conversion of metalled roads to black top roads.

Since the water resources department has transferred 1214 minor irrigation projects to the Panchayat Samities for maintenance, the Commission recommended devolution of Rs 151.75 crore for enabling the Panchayat Samities to take up this work.

Though the water bodies in the rural areas serve as sources of income for the Gram Panchayats, they are in a dilapidated condition and needed improvement. Accordingly, the State Finance Commission (SFC) has recommended Rs 74.54 crore to the GPs under this head.

Absence of sanitary facilities like toilets at the GP level was a long felt need, particularly for the elected women representatives. This was noticed by the Commission during their visit to various GPs. Since absence of toilet facility was causing a lot of inconvenience to the women members, it recommended Rs 124.68 crore for setting up of public toilets with water facilities in 6234 GPs of the state.

“We have tried to address the issue of basic needs in the rural areas and creation of basic infrastructure needed by the people”, Sudhakar Panda, chairman, 3rd State Finance Commission told Business Standard.

In a significant recommendation, the Commission decided to award devolution of Rs 161.22 crore for the street lighting in 6234 GPs of the state. It may be noted, the 12th Finance Commission (TFC) didn’t recommend any grant for supporting the street lighting against the award given by the 11th Finance Commission.

Further, to provide meeting halls in GPs for the purpose of organising various functions, the Commission decided to suggest devolution for setting up of community hall or training centre for self help groups (SHGs). It recommended that 2742 GPs having population above 5000 should be provided with this facility with an expenditure of Rs 27.42 crore.

Taking note of another important need of the educated youth in the rural areas, the Commission has recommended devolution of Rs 13.74 crore for setting up of Kiosks to provide services like internet and fax. One room in the proposed community centre will be used as Kiosks for rendering multiple services. It may be leased out to the intending bidders on a public-private-partnership (PPP) basis with the system of collection of user charges.