CM KCR keen to set up new Gram Panchayats

Hyderabad, Nov 4: The Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has planned on introducing the proposed Panchayat Raj bill in the ongoing legislature session and pave the way for a performing Panchayat Raj system for all-round development of villages.

He has invited suggestions and advice from officials who had a grip over Panchayat Raj institutions, public representatives and people from various organizations before finalizing the proposed act.

The Chief Minister held a meeting with Ministers, top officials, consultants and non-government organizations at Pragathi Bhavan here on Friday to discuss various aspects related to rights and powers of Panchayat Raj institutions as well as responsibilities.

He also discussed funding sources and measures to be taken for its effective operation and accountability. "The proposed act should make the local bodies act efficiently and the government should have powers to take action against those who fail in discharging their duties," he asserted.

Chandrashekhar Rao explained his plans to create new gram panchayats increasing their number to about 12,000 to 13,000 in the State.

"Both the Centre and State government are spending crores of rupees and implementing several programmes. Local bodies should function efficiently to ensure that people reap the benefits of these programmes. There is no use if the current situation prevailing in the villages continues," he observed.

He wanted the new Panchayat Raj Act to give clarity on duties and responsibilities of sarpanches, MPTC, and ZPTC members.