Minister denies restricting of powers to taluk panchayats

Bangalore, June 29 (UNI) Karnataka Panchayat Raj Minister C M Udasi today denied the reports that JD (S)-BJP coalition government had restricted the powers and lessened the flow of funds for Taluk Panchayats.

Mr Udasi told reporters here today that the government had implemented the government order of 2003 for transfer of 29 department subjects to taluk panchayats and it was in force since 2005-06.

"The flow of the funds for taking up development works the coalition government had granted more funds in comparision to the previous government and this could be seen in the Link Document," he said.

He said the Panchayats in turn were not functioning up to the expectation of the government in the subjects like education, health and employment.

Mr Udasi was reacting to the recent protests by the members of some Taluk Panchayats on the issues across the state.

UNI