Heightened interest in Panchayat polls It augurs well for the grass root Democracy. Citizens are now more conscious about the local administration that has also impact on all around. Panchayat has limited powers. There is interference from local MLA`s trying to control the functioning and attempt to keep the local body under their thumb. Hence the decision are based on remote control. Frequent changes in Sarpanch have a telling effect on he administration .Host of welfare schemes meant to ameliorate the conditions of marginalized, needy do not reach them at , which would be real priority. In fact dissemination of information is no one`s cup of tea. It is more than surprising that representatives are at the mercy of the Secretary, who is looked upon for interpretation and final decisions., Representatives are not aware or posses books of rules and regulations and even than most are unfamiliar with the rights empowering the citizens
What is then the lure to be representative of the local body? The reservations for OBC, schedules and backward, women assures winning hopes, The process of transparency in rotation ensures political interference to get even with their rivals and deprive them of a foothold, Politicians and parties directly and indirectly use their influence, clout, financial support to promote the win of their ardent supporters and then publish controll of local bodies. The reservation in wards without even a smattering presence of such community is a mockery, forcing the electorate either to boycott or cast their ballot, There is no provision for NOTA .The choice of candidates presenting themselves leaves much to be desired .Often they are without gainful employment, no record of social work, or capacity to deliver and rea unknown in the place, Many candidates are totally confused about in what way they can contribute towards wards They have no plan or idea what is needed and how they can accomplish it . Their role consists of faithfully attending regular meetings and their involvement is best not commented. Members gain importance at the time of or displacement, appointments of Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch is lure and attraction. The honorarium comes handy for many others. Gratification by people in kind and cash, invitation for social functions are latent attractions of gaining public acknowledgement. Yearly expenditure for every member about Rs 20,000= is uncontrolled and not monitored for efficacy. The best opportunity is to look for avenues towards, builders and all illegal constructions, wherein the member of the ward reigns supreme There stories of outright demands for monetary considerations. Many favorable decisions by Sarpanch in connivance , manipulation of Secretary are beneficial outcomes of undeclared avenues to profit. The activities towards the wards of grass cutting, drain cleaning, providing electric fittings are aggressively pursued on the eve of elections. or otherwise the memember is unseen and unheard of. When same candidates continuously try to present themselves as prospective candidates, the vested interest is obvious Even family members joining the electoral fray is a case needing no comment of believing of indispensability The sad thing is people who are best suited by experience, education , proven social compassion and social standing by every count stay away from filing their candidature and thus leaving the field open to all and sundry and sometimes unworthy The system of bribes at Assembly elections is replicated at Panchayat elections on reduced scale. The virus of this evil practises are distorting the truth. So go out and vote to oust the same persons entrenched in corrupt practice for personal enrichment elect new faces who will take time to mature and graduate in corruption .People are under impressions that ill-informed members are best bet for perpetuating illegalities. No wonder that builders, businessman are in the fray to stop being bled black and blue, wherein the secretary becomes the king of all he surveys. Passing of plans, occupation certificates, overlooking deviations in plan, illegal construction, delaying and frustrating legal processes Nelson Lopes Chinchinim