Sarpanch ''returns'' unreceived President's award

Anand, Sep 22 (UNI) The Thamna village sarpanch has decided to ''return'' the President's award because although announced two years back, he was yet to receive it.

Sarpanch, Chandrakant Patel, in a letter to Union Panchayat Raj Minister Mani Shankar Iyer today, lamented the award announced for him has still remained elusive. He would, therefore, like to ''return'' the award ''thankfully'' back and he has sent a copy of the letter to the President.

On August 15, 2004, it was declared Mr Patel will receive the President's award, which carries a purse of Rs 10 lakh, for transforming his ''panchayat'' as the ''Best Gram Panchayat'' in the country. Additionally, Rs 10 lakh was also announced towards further development of his Thamna village.

However, even after two years and after several representations, Mr Patel is yet to receive the actual award.

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