Government to redefine role of PR bodies: KCR

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday said the powers, duties and responsibilities of the officials and public representatives of the Panchayat Raj Institutions would be defined soon.

He said the PR institutions would not be left as namesake bodies but would be strengthened with clear duties, responsibilities, funds and devolution of powers.

The Chief Minister said the task of redefining the PR bodies would be accomplished in the 60 days action plan to be implemented by the government.

He announced appointment of district level green committee under the chairmanship of District Collector, to monitor the growth of greenery in villages and towns.

He held a review meeting on strengthening of the Panchayat Raj bodies and actions to be taken thereof at Pragathi Bhavan. Ministers Errabelli Dayakar Rao, Jagadish Reddy and officials participated in the meeting.

"The government's aim is to develop the villages. I have faith and confidence that if one works with dedication and commitment, there will be a qualitative change in the villages.

The government has brought in a new Panchayat Raj Act to change the face of the villages. We clearly stipulated the duties and responsibilities of elected representatives and officials. Now it has been decided to transfer powers to the local bodies.

If the chairpersons of Zilla Parishad and Ministers are not provided with enough powers and responsibilities, there would be no meaning to their offices. Same would be the case with the MPPs, ZPTCs.

We will decide the extent of responsibilities in the field of health, education, and greenery to be fixed. We will give clarity on what Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishad and Zilla Parishad should be.

Soon, the Finance Commission would provide the funds to PR bodies. Funds would be provided after the role of the PR bodies are defined," the Chief Minister said.

He has instructed Minister Dayakar Rao to discuss and to hold a deep study on the duties and responsibilities of the PR bodies. He wanted in-depth discussions with persons who have experience on the subject, leaders, officials and subject specialists.

A draft should be prepared, and it should be discussed with the MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and in the State cabinet and later it should be put before the Legislative Assembly.

Based on the suggestions, advices, inputs, clear-cut instructions will be given on the duties and responsibilities and funds. The 60 days action plan would commence soon after the completion of municipal polls.

The Chief Minister has instructed the officials of PR department to fill up all the vacancies from Panchayat Secretary to the chief executive officer of ZP.

He said, henceforth Mandal Development Officer post would be treated Mandal Panchayat Officer.

The Chief Minister also instructed that promotions should be given to the categories like Village Secretaries, Mandal Panchayat Officers, Mandal Parishad Development Officers, Divisional Panchayat Officers, deputy CEOs, DPOs, CEOs etc., and fill up the vacancies arising out of this. He said the panchayat secretary posts should be filled up directly.