While addressing a delegation of newly elected Panchayat representatives on Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that more powers and respect will be given to elected Panchayat representatives for justice with them. Necessary changes will be made in laws for this.
The Chief Minister said that Status of Minister of State will be accorded to district Panchayat Presidents. Arrangements will be made to send all development-related files to them provided that a case sent thus will be deemed automatically approved if not disposed of within five days. Janpad Panchayat Presidents will also be fully empowered.
He said that he wishes to empower sarpanchs in letter and spirit. The Chief Minister said that works for elected sarpanchs and panchs will be allocated. Panchs will be given Rs. 200 per meeting instead of Rs. 100, he added.
Announcing facility of gunman to district Panchayat President, the Chief Minister said that this should not become a means to show status in society.
Chouhan said that Vice-Presidents and members of district and Janpad Panchayats will also be empowered so that they can spend funds of development works as per their discretion. Similarly, expenditure limit will also be fixed for Janpad Panchayat Presidents. Chouhan said that Central government will be urged for some powers for Panchayat representatives. For this, a delegation led by Panchayats Minister Gopal Bhargava will meet Union Panchayats Secretary.
The Chief Minister urged Panchayat representatives to resolve for eradicating corruption. Chouhan said that consent of sarpanch will now be necessary for transfer of Panchayat Secretary. District Panchayat Presidents will unfurl national flag at the places where Ministers are not available. Development works in Gram Panchayats will be proposed by Gram Sabha and approved by sarpanch.
He said that powers to settle undisputed cases of division and nomination to Gram Panchayats. Gram Panchayat Secretary will function as Secretary to Sarpanch. Arrangements will be made to provide advance funds to Gram Panchayats for development within a prescribed time-limit.
The Chief Minister urged Panchayat representatives to start maximum number of MNREGA works in view of drought. He said that Panchayat representatives have important role to play in realising resolve to provide residential pattas to every houseless citizen by year 2022.
Referring to drought, the Chief Minister said that farmers are facing crisis. He said that farmers have lost this year, but will not be allowed to lose life. He informed that farmers will be given assistance by curtailing budget of every department by 15 per cent. Relief is being extended to affected farmers.