Public representatives demanded that the State finance allocation should be made on the basis of area instead of the population. Objecting to the budgetary cuts for Panchayats, they stressed that village development is essential for mitigating migration from the mountainous regions. These and other issues were raised at a meeting of fourth State finance commission with public representatives in Pauri.
Block Pramukhs in the meeting complained that budgetary constraints are preventing them from meeting public expectations by executing the works they had promised to the public. Thalisain block Pramukh Shiv Singh Gusain termed it unfortunate that there had been major budgetary cut despite population increase in the area. He said, “While the funds for MlAs and MPs are being increased consistently, the Panchayat budget is being reduced in blatant disregard of village development.” Khirsu block Pramukh SS Rawat suggested that special budgetary provision be made for Panchayats in the state finance. Dugadda block Pramukh Suresh Aswal said budgetary cut will be detrimental to Panchayati Raj system; Khirsu Pramukh Sushma Negi called for positive recommendations to the government on the issue while Beeronkhal Pramukh Kavita Pokhriyal said that she had only heard about but never seen Pramukh fund which is necessary for development.
Chief development officer Harak Singh Rawat asked the public representatives to directly inform him on problematic issues regarding various departments. Fourth finance commission member CMS Bisht said that the commission has already toured eight districts with four districts left to be toured. All the complaints and suggestions received during the tour will be presented to the state administration, he said. Commission member Avikal Thapliyal said that the finance commission intends to facilitate development of every village.
In the second session, Bisht sought information about the functioning of UREDA, social welfare, Panchayati Raj and other departments from the officials concerned. He also spoke of maximising installation of solar lights in rural areas, take-home ration facility of the child development department, construction of rural secretariats under Nyay Panchayats, increasing revenue sources for Panchayats and other issues. He also directed the block development officer to establish coordination with Panchayat and rural development officials concerned to ensure that the public is able to benefit as intended from the system.