TV
Hundreds of Sarpanches took to the streets in Bhubaneswar on Friday alleging excessive interference of government officials, mainly Block Development Officers (BDOs) in Panchayat development works, obstructing the powers of the elected representatives.
They demanded their rights as Sarpanches back and threatened to resign en-masse if their demands are not heeded.
The Sarpanches alleged that Officer Raj in Odisha is not only confined to the cities where bureaucrats call the shots instead of ministers, in fact, it has spread to the countryside as well. As per their allegations, the BDOs in blocks are obstructing the rights and powers of the Sarpanches.
So much so that the Sarpanches cannot even repair a hand pump in their Panchayat without the approval of the BDO, they alleged, adding that BDO Raj is hampering the development of Panchayats big time.
They further alleged that the Sarpanches were vested with the Collector’s power during Covid times, but the same Sarpanches have been rendered handicapped now.
Moreover, the money disbursed to the Panchayats under 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' scheme is getting approved on the whims of the BDOs and not after discussions in Gram Sabhas.
“Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced to provide Rs 50 lakh to each Panchayat for development. Then the money went to the block offices. Was the announcement a farce?” asked a Sarpanch, Purnima Guru.
The Sarpanches allegedly do not get to know what projects are being approved in their Panchayats under the scheme.
Speaking to the reporters, State Sarpanch Federation’s President, Romancha Sahu said, “The powers of Sarpanches have been heavily curtailed. Our rights have been dented. Countersignature by the BDO has been made mandatory for every developmental work in Panchayat. If the government does not consider our demands, then we will sit on an indefinite dharna from September 22 in front of the Assembly.
The Sarpanches not only demanded removal of the BDO counter signature provision in Panchayat works, but they also said that while the MLAs get lakhs of Rupees as allowances, the Sarpanchs get only Rs 2350 a month. They demanded a hike in allowance to Rs 30,000 per month, health insurance, and a Sarpanch fund for natural calamities.
They even threatened self-immolation in front of the Odisha Assembly if their rights are not restored by preventing interference of BDOs in Sarpanches' affairs.
However, when asked, the Panchayatiraj Minister Pradeep Amat refused to comment anything on the demands and allegations of the Sarpanches.
