TDP, CPM stages walkout over devolution of powers

Hyderabad, Feb 22 (UNI) Not satisfied with Panchayat Raj Minister J C Divakar Reddy's reply on the transfer of powers to local bodies, the opposition Telugu Desam party (TDP) and the CPM members today walked out of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council.

Demanding that the government accept all demands of the local bodies put forth, the TDP Floor leader D Veerabhadra Rao said the government should also revive Swarna Jayanti Rozgar Yojana (SJRY) scheme.

When the minister did not accept the demands, the TDP and the CPM members staged walkout from the Council.

Replying to a question by TDP MLC Y B Rajendra Prasad, Mr Reddy said 15 demands, out of 39, were already agreed by the government.

Twelve demands were settled and the remaining three were under consideration.

The Minister said complaints of misappropriation of funds were being registered in the local bodies where illiterate people were elected.

There was a need to amend the Acts making mandatory to stop the illiterate people from contesting the local bodies, he added.

UNI AP VA RL AS1750