NILAMBAZAR, Sept 11 � The Karimganj District Gaon Panchayat Presidents� Parishad recently submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Assam, demanding the amendment of Section 15 of the Assam Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.
In the memorandum, it was stated that Section 15 of the Assam Panchayat Raj Act speaks of the removal of the GP presidents by passing a no-confidence motion and once the motion is passed, he or she has to vacate the office and loses all the rights of a panchayat representative. While in the case of a president of an anchalik panchayat or Zilla Parishad, after losing the motion of confidence, the president can still act as a member of the respective institution.
The Parishad also demanded a ban on engaging contractors for the works of PRIs. The members of the Parishad urged the Chief Minister to provide sufficient staff to the panchayat offices and also requested him to initiate the process for immediate regularisation of the services of engaged, casual and contractual employees of the PRIs for more effective service.
The Parishad said that the Government of Assam has been releasing the funds under the State Finance Commissions to all the Zilla Parishads for proportionate allotment of funds to all levels of the PRIs. Accordingly, the Zilla Parishad has to release funds in the ratio of 65 pc, 25 pc and 10 pc to the GP, AP and ZP respectively. But the Karimganj Zilla Parishad has allegedly been ignoring this principle. For example, the Karimganj Zilla Parishad has been executing the construction work of all cremation grounds and burial ground by utilising 100 per cent of the funds.
The GP Presidents� Parishad demanded the grant of the BRGF to Karimganj district and release of arrears as per government notification since December 10, 2012 from the Panchayat Development Fund.
A copy of the memorandum was also forwarded to the Minister of P&RD, Government of Assam.
