The Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto for the forthcoming elections to the zilla and taluk panchayats in the State , here on Monday.
The BJP has stated in the manifesto that it would strive hard to bring about progressive changes in the panchayat raj system for the all round development of the panchayats through devolution of both administrative and financial powers.
Lists 91 issues
The party has listed out a total of 91 issues pertaining to 18 of the 29 departments falling under the jurisdiction of zilla panchayats and taluk panchayats, including the demand for a special annual grant of Rs.10 crore for every zilla panchayat and Rs.5 crore for every taluk panchayat across the State.
The manifesto was formally released by BJP State general secretary Somanna M. Bevinmarad, MLC, Suresh C. Angadi, MP, Mahantesh M. Kavatagimath, MLC, party district president Eranna Kadadi and party city president Ujwala Badawanache here.
BJP’s achievements highlighted
The manifesto also highlighted 31 achievements of the previous BJP regime in the State and the present BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
‘Implement panel recommendations’
Mr. Kavatagimath, while pointing out at the shortcomings in the prevailing panchayat raj system, strongly urged the State government to implement in toto the recommendations of the committee constituted to bring amendments to the Karnataka Panchayat RajAct.
This committee is headed by former Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar, MLA. “The report has been already been accepted by the government and a Bill already passed. However, the State government is yet to frame rules for implementation of the amended Act,” he further said. He said that implementation of this report would go a long way in devolution of powers to the panchayat institutions, as the committee considered various issues and concerns related to devolution of both administrative and financial powers, besides powers to implement various welfare works instead of the departments controlled by the State government. Mr. Angadi rubbished claims that steep increase in prices of foodgrains and other essential commodities would adversely affect party prospects in the upcoming polls.
The party also wants the reforms recommended by the Ramesh Kumar panel implemented
