The Hindu : ZP admn. accused of ignoring problems

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 16, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

ZP admn. accused of ignoring problems

By Our Staff Correspondent

Belgaum July 15. In contrast to the claim that the 76-member Council of the Belgaum Zilla Panchayat, the biggest in the State, is one of the best in terms of ``good progress" made in development works, members cutting across party lines accused the executive of ignoring the problems in the district, here on Monday.

A member even challenged the panchayat President, Sunita Harijan, and its Vice-President, Parappa Jangwad, to put on record their efforts in solving major problems of the district.

But they did not have any answer. The allegation that the executive had not taken up repairs of school buildings in the past two years in rural areas and even the quality of new buildings was not up to the mark was not disputed by the officials.

The Chief Executive Officer, Rajendra Katharia, and Deputy Director of Public Instruction said there were no funds for taking up repair works.

A special team from Bangalore would be asked to inspect the quality of construction of new school buildings where the estimates were put at Rs.40,000 per classroom.

In case of poor work, the contractor would be denied payment and subsequently corrective measures taken.

The meeting was convened to discuss the problems arising out of prevailing drought and the poor monsoon in the district. But there were frequent spells of chaos.

It all began after a member intervened to insist that the Chair take up subject-wise discussions at a time when an Opposition member was pleading for drilling more borewells in rural areas in view of the water scarcity, even as everyone agreed that relief works were not being properly implemented.

Realising that the allegations were of a serious nature and came at a time when Doordarshan had filmed a documentary on the ``good works'' done by the panchayat, which was due to go on air shortly, Mr. Katharia urged the members to restrain themselves from making allegations when presspersons were present and Doordarshan was going to telecast the documentary.

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