K'taka may provide grants to GPs based on performance, strength

Mysore, Apr 16 (UNI) The Karnataka Government proposed to provide grant to gram panchayats in the state based on its performance and strength, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister C M Udasi informed today.

Talking to newpersons here, he said as of now, gram panchayats with a strength of 11 to 75 members were provided Rs five lakh each every year. However, the government proposed to adopt certain criteria in providing the grants following lot of complaints. A final decision in the matter would be taken soon, he added.

Later presiding over a legal workshop for representatives of the Panchayat Raj institutions in the district, organised by the District Legal Services Authority here, he said such workshops would be held in all districts to help members know legal aspects and frame bylaws in their gram panchayats.

Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka High Court Cyriac Joseph suggested that the government come up with policies oriented to rural development and said panchayat raj institutions had a vital role to play in this regard.

He also called upon elected representatives to accord priority to area development, instead of attending functions in their respective constituencies.

He asked the state government to conduct more such legal workshops for elected representatives at the grassroots level to help them understand legal aspects better.

UNI BSP RG SKB1631