Port Blair, June 10: The Zilla Parishad(South Andaman) convened a special meeting today under the chairmanship of Ms. V.K.Mariyam Bibi, Adhyaksha,Zilla Parishad(South Andaman), to explore ways and means of raising revenue through income generation measures.
As of now, the Zilla Parishad carries out developmental works using funds received through a grant roughly aggregating to Rs.1 crore under the General Sector and about Rs.4 to 5 crores-under the Road Sector.
The grant covers developmental works carried out by the Zilla Parishad in 32 panchayats falling within its jurisdiction as can be imagined, the amount of grant received is so meager that routine maintenance of roads also cannot be carried out timely and given the monsoon which lasts 7 months of the year there is very speedy deterioration of road conditions, causing immense inconvenience to people staying in rural areas. The house noted with deep regret that certain sections of the press have been carrying defamatory and misleading reports regarding the representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
It is a matter of fact that Zilla Parishad members get a monthly Honorarium of Rs.3000/- only while on the other hand even a Daily Rated Mazdoor receives remuneration of Rs.6000/- per month. For discharging their public responsibilities, members of the Zilla Parishad have to travel long distances, as many of them represent rural population situated in far off areas such as Campbell Bay and other remote locations.
On the other hand for an area of 17.74 Sq.Km and 18 wards the Municipal Councilors receive a Honorarium ranging from Rs.15,000/- for the Councilors to Rs.20,000/- for the Chairperson of the Council and also receive vehicle for meeting their touring requirements. The 25% enhancement of the Zilla Parishad members ‘Honorarium’ comes down to an increase of Rs.750/-per head only.
In this background, the Zilla Parishad is seriously considering levy of fees and taxes upon commercial and industrial enterprises in their jurisdiction, to be able to earn income which can be projected for obtaining a matching grant from the Administration, to meet the developmental needs of the rural population.
Under directions from the department of Rural Development the Adhyaksha, Zilla
Parishad(South Andaman) would be convening a follow up meeting of all 3 tiers of the Panchayati Raj System on the 13th of June,2014 to further deliberate upon the measures to be taken for enhancement of Revenues.
