Loksatta seeks Rs 1,000 per capita grant to local Govt bodies

Welcoming the decision by Telangana Government to strengthen local-self government bodies, Loksatta Party today said it is possible only when they are conferred powers, resources and personnel in adequate measure.
Telangana Loksatta President Bandaru Ramamohan Rao said Mahatma Gandhi's dream of gram swaraj has remained unfulfilled more than six decades after Independence because of the reluctance of State Governments to empower local-self governments. Even the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution have remained largely on paper.
"As a result, people at the grass root level are forced to approach MLAs and MPs and even Ministers and the Chief Minister to get even minor grievances redressed," Rao said in a statement.

He wanted the State Government to give a per capita annual grant of Rs 1,000 to every panchayat and ward/division in municipal bodies so that locally elected representatives can attend to immediate needs like maintenance of internal roads, street lighting, sanitation and drinking water supply.
Since all such works are carried out in full public view, the scope for corruption gets minimised, Rao said.
"As of now, there are huge leakages by the time the funds are allocated through different channels and spent by multiple agencies," Rao alleged.
"In fact, the Loksatta Party is trying to impress upon the 14th Finance Commission on the importance of devolving a certain portion of funds meant for States directly on districts."

Panchayats can be entrusted with the responsibility of controlling illicit liquor flow and unauthorised sale of liquor, he said, adding the Government can always wield the stick in case there are instances of abuse of authority or misuse of funds.