Process for creation of 173 gram panchayats set in motion

Collectors told to keep in mind urbanisation issues, population density

The State Government has set in motion the process for proposed formation of 173 gram panchayats.

Chief Secretary S.P. Singh has directed the District Collectors to submit their proposals relating to new gram panchayats before January 25. Guidelines relating to constitution of new panchayats had already been circulated to the Collectors and proformas had also been dispatched.

Accordingly, steps should be taken to ensure that the proposed panchayats would have population of more than 500 each, and should be at a distance not less than 1.5 km from the existing panchayats.

The Collectors had been directed to send the hard and soft copies of their proposals along with the maps of the proposed local bodies.

Officials concerned should ensure that names of the new panchayats were decided in consultation with the local elected representatives as well as with the residents.

The Chief Secretary, who conducted a video conference with District Collectors on Friday, said the government had deputed nine officers to identify areas which were in the close vicinity of municipalities that could be merged with the respective urban bodies.

These officials would hold discussions with the District Collectors and other senior officials and efforts should be made to consider finance, education, cultural and other aspects in this regard.

Municipal Administration secretary Arvind Kumar reminded the officials concerned that guidelines relating to merger of gram panchayats with municipal bodies and constitution of new nagar panchayats had been issued in 2006.

Officials should keep in mind urbanisation-related issues, population density and other factors while finalising their proposals.