Hyderabad: BJP State President N. Ramchander Rao on Monday alleged panchayat fund diversion by the state government and demanded the immediate release of funds meant for Gram Panchayats.
After meeting the Sarpanchs’ Joint Action Committee, he said nearly ₹640 crore under the 15th Finance Commission remained withheld. As a result, the panchayat fund diversion severely affected village administration.
He criticised the government led by A. Revanth Reddy. He said that while in opposition, the Congress had promised to clear pending bills.
However, he said those promises remained unfulfilled even after two and a half years in power. Therefore, he argued that the fund diversion reflected a failure to honour commitments.
Panchayat fund diversion disrupts village administration
Ramchander Rao said panchayats were unable to pay salaries or carry out basic works. Consequently, he said the fund diversion pushed local bodies into a serious crisis.
He added that essential services at the village level had been affected. Moreover, the lack of funds disrupted routine administration and development activities.
The BJP leader expressed support for the Sarpanchs’ agitation. He said the party would continue to fight until the government released the funds.
He reiterated that the panchayat fund diversion must be addressed immediately.