Sarpanch association stages protest, demands release of 15th Finance Commission funds

Tadepalli, August 5:  YSRCP Panchayat Raj Wing State President Vennapusa Ravindra Reddy criticized the coalition government led by CM Chandrababu Naidu for neglecting the gram panchayat system despite pre-election promises to strengthen it and grant sarpanchs their rightful powers. 
Speaking at a dharna organized by the Sarpanch Association in front of the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Commissioner’s office in here to address their issues, Ravindra Reddy criticised the government for undermining the constitutional rights and powers of local bodies. He stated that the coalition government, which came to power with promises to sarpanchs, has been completely indifferent post-election. He pointed out that not only are panchayat funds not being released, but even the funds allocated by the central government are being withheld, causing difficulties. 
He questioned the fairness of diverting 15th Finance Commission funds, which were provided to the state government in December, instead of depositing them into local body accounts. He raised concerns about how villages can sustain themselves without funds for basic needs like bleaching powder, drinking water, bore repairs, and sanitation. Ravindra Reddy also questioned why Panchayat Raj Minister Pawan Kalyan, who claims to challenge political wrongs, remains silent while local bodies face such injustice. He urged the minister to introspect whether his role is for personal glory or public service. The event was attended by Sarpanch Association State Secretary Krishnamohan, Sri Rama Murthy, YSRCP MPP Association State President Mullapudi Gandhi, YSRCP Panchayat Raj Wing Krishna, and Guntur District Presidents Venkateshwarlu, Dasari Raju, State Secretary Chakarareddy, Sarpanch Association leaders Mahesh Reddy, Jayarami Reddy, Nagaraju, Rasool, Arun Kumar, and others.