The BJP led NDA Government at the Centre is attempting to weaken the Panchayats in Uttarakhand, alleged the State Congress Panchayat department chief Surat Singh Negi.
Addressing the media at the Congress Bhawan after announcing the formation of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee Panchayat department State executive and district heads on Friday, Negi accused the Central Government of working to the detriment of Panchayats in Uttarakhand. He said that the Central Government has discontinued the funds received by block and district Panchayats under the 14th finance commission. The money provided for development of border areas under the Border Region Development Fund (BRDF) has also been stopped. The funding being received by the State from the Centre for sanitation and health services in rural areas under the National Rural Health Mission has also been stopped, said Negi, adding that the Congress Panchayat department will strongly oppose this.
Referring to the recently formed executive of the UPCC Panchayat department, Negi said that it comprises a total of 12 State vice presidents, 10 secretaries, 22 heads for various areas and 2 convenors. Puran Chand Ramola, Nathilal Suyal, Gainda lal Tamta, Ravindra Bhandari and Karan Singh Negi were among the Congress Panchayat department workers who have been appointed as vice presidents. Rajendra Bisht, Sunita Rawat, Fakir Ram, Shera Singh and Manveer Singh are some among those who have been appointed as secretaries. Negi further informed that among heads for various areas, Pradeep Gairola has been appointed as head for Yamuna valley area while Manoj Rana has been appointed as head of Bhagirathi valley area in Uttarkashi district. Arun Shukla will be the convenor of the department for Kumaon region whereas Sukhdev Singh Rawat has been appointed as the department’s convenor for the Garhwal region, added Negi.