Punjab govt withdraws powers of Panchs to pass ‘No Confidence Motion’ against village Sarpanch
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CHANDIGARH: In a major blow to democratic institution of Panchayati Raj, Punjab government on Wednesday issued an ordinance omitting section 19 in the Punjab Panchayati Raj act 1994 thus curtailing the powers of Panchs to pass ‘No Confidence Motion’ against the village Sarpanch even if he indulges in corruption and other irregularities.
The ordinance issued by the state government is considred gross violation of spirit of the Panchayati Raj Act which was aimed to allow Panchayats an autonomy and decentralise the powers of state government. The ordinance to curb the powers of Panchayat members is expected to draw criticism from all quarters.
The government spokesman said that the ordinance has paved way for more harmonious functioning in the Panchayati Raj institutions and giving a boost to the developmental process in the rural areas. Withthis amendment, now the Panches in the Gram Panchayats will not be able remove the Sarpanch through ‘ no confidence motion’ and also can not hold any meeting with such motive.
An official spokesman of the Panchayati Raj department said that the Government has contemplated this step in the larger public interest as the right granted under section 19 was misused in some Gram Sabhas. It may be recalled that section 19 of the Punjab Panchayati Raj act 1994 extended the right to Panches in the Gram Panchayats to remove the Sarpanch through no confidence motion after 2 years of Panchayat Elections. This practice had led to groupism in villages, besides creating hurdles in the completion of development works.
It is belived the SAD-BJP government has taken this stp to protect Sarpanchs loyal to ruling alliance under pressure from MLA’s who have been given Rs.2 crore each to spend in villages of their choice. It will give an immunty to Sarpanchs who wish to hobnob with the MLA’s.
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