PaperDabba News Desk: 11 July 2024
Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a significant shift in the governance of its rural areas as the coalition government takes steps to restore powers to the sarpanchs. For the past five years, the village panchayat system faced severe challenges under the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) rule. The introduction of the secretariat system had left village panchayats in a state of disarray, with funds allocated for village development being diverted for other uses. The coalition government now aims to bring back the former glory of the panchayat system by re-establishing the powers of the sarpanchs.
Linking Secretariats with Village Panchayats
To ensure effective governance, the coalition government is taking steps to integrate the secretariats with the village panchayats. This move aims to decentralize power, giving more control to the sarpanchs and ensuring that the needs of the villagers are addressed promptly. There are currently 912 village panchayats within 30 mandals in the district, with 647 secretariats under their jurisdiction. Additionally, there are 75 secretariats in the corporation and municipality areas, including Ichchapuram, Palasa, Amadalavalasa, and Srikakulam.
Challenges Faced by Village Panchayats
During the YSRCP regime, the secretariat system’s introduction led to several issues. Village panchayats struggled to manage their affairs as funds were diverted, and the secretariat staff operated independently of the panchayats. The previous government had handed over the supervision of these secretariats to the revenue department, further alienating the panchayats. Even the basic funds for minor repairs and sanitation worker salaries were hard to come by, leaving the panchayats in a dire state.
Restoring the Powers of the Sarpanchs
The coalition government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is keen on restoring the panchayat system’s autonomy. With Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan now serving as the Panchayati Raj Minister, there have been continuous reviews and efforts to integrate secretariat employees with the panchayats. By empowering the sarpanchs, the government aims to improve village infrastructure and ensure that essential services are delivered efficiently.
Steps Towards Village Development
The re-establishment of sarpanchs’ authority is expected to bring about significant improvements in village development. With direct control over funds and administrative functions, sarpanchs can address local issues more effectively. This move is anticipated to enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness within the village governance system.
Future Prospects
The coalition government’s efforts to revive the village panchayat system and restore the powers of the sarpanchs are seen as a positive step towards rural development. The integration of secretariats with panchayats is expected to streamline governance and ensure that the needs of the villagers are met efficiently. As these reforms take shape, there is hope that the village panchayats will once again become the vibrant centers of local governance, driving the development of Andhra Pradesh’s rural areas.
By empowering the sarpanchs and integrating the secretariats with village panchayats, the coalition government is laying the foundation for a more responsive and effective rural governance system.
