Port Blair, Oct 16: Mr. Vishal Jolly, the National Executive Member of the BJP from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, extended his whole-hearted support to the demands raised by the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) of the North & Middle Andaman District.
Mr. Jolly asserted that these representatives have been grappling with challenges for the past 4-5 years. Their resort to protest was a last resort after reaching a breaking point. The major issues highlighted by the PRIs include:
1. Devolution of powers under 29 subjects to PRIs.
2. Governing process of sanction of leave to the officials attached to PRIs.
3. Issues pertaining to delay in estimate preparation, technical sanction and calling for tender in relation to the Engineering Wing.
4. Providing funds and functionaries for Maintenance of Rural Street lights.
5. Delay in disbursement of Grant-In-Aid.
6. Enhancement of powers of Elected Heads for Issuance of Work Order to Cooperative Societies at various levels.
7. Enhancement of powers of Elected Heads for Issuance of Administrative approvals and Expenditure sanctions at various levels.
8. Separation of Rural Development Department and Panchayat Directorate.
9. Separate Executive Engineers Office Division for Diglipur.
10. Sanctioning of surplus funds and giving complete freedom to the Panchayats for engaging DRMs.
11. Insufficiency of Quarry products and consequent stoppage of developmental activities.
12. Enhancement of Honorarium of PRIs.
13. Allocation of funds based on population, geographical isolation, tourism potential and cost index.
14. Review of Ratio of 70:30 for procurement and office expenditures.
15. Empowering the Pradhans to provide monetary assistance without insisting upon a formal plan during natural calamities, availing medical treatments, disasters etc.
Mr. Jolly critiqued the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for curtailing powers that were previously given to PRIs. He emphasized the importance of local self-governance, especially in a Union Territory without a State Legislative Assembly.
Drawing from history, Mr. Jolly reminded the public that when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was in office, significant steps were taken to devolve powers to PRIs. Various departments expressed their willingness to share their responsibilities with PRIs. However, the subsequent UPA government, led by the Indian National Congress, reversed many of these initiatives.
Mr. Jolly also shed light on controversial actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out the inappropriate mass purchase of unrelated items like sports kits during a time when essential medical supplies were in dire need. Labeling it as a deep-rooted conspiracy, Mr. Jolly called for an inquiry into this matter.
Mr. Vishal Jolly reaffirmed his commitment to fortify the Panchayati Raj Institutions. He stressed that the essence of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution of India was to uplift rural India by empowering local governance and promoting grassroots planning.
