Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 16 October 2023
Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has come out in support of the demands raised by elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the North and Middle Andaman District. In a press statement, Jolly expressed his belief that the demands are genuine, reasonable, and in line with the principles of local self-governance.
The elected representatives of PRIs in the region have been struggling for several years, citing numerous pressing issues, which include demands for the devolution of powers in 29 subjects to PRIs. They also seek reforms in the governing process of sanctioning leaves for officials attached to PRIs, and address issues concerning delays in estimate preparation, technical sanctions, and the calling for tenders in the Engineering Wing.
Moreover, the PRIs are requesting funds and functionaries for the maintenance of rural streetlights, timely disbursement of Grant-In-Aid, enhanced powers for elected heads to issue work orders to cooperative societies at various levels, and greater administrative authority at different levels. These issues encompass the separation of the Rural Development Department and Panchayat Directorate, establishment of a separate Executive Engineer’s Office Division for Diglipur, allocation of surplus funds, and more.
Vishal Jolly, who also previously served as a Member of Zilla Parishad and Adhyaksh of Zilla Parishad, emphasised that the issues raised by PRIs are justified and consistent with the spirit of local self-governance. He pointed out that many powers were curtailed by amending rules and norms, which he considers a colourable exercise of power. He called for the restoration of previously conferred powers without further delay, emphasising the significance of local self-government in a Union Territory like Andaman and Nicobar.
Jolly recalled the period when the devolution of powers to PRIs was initiated in 2002, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, he noted that the scenario changed after the UPA Government came into power at the centre, with little progress being made in empowering PRIs.
Furthermore, Jolly highlighted irregularities during the COVID-19 pandemic, where officials made mass purchases of irrelevant materials instead of necessary supplies like sanitizers and PPE kits, raising concerns of a deep-rooted conspiracy. He called for a thorough inquiry into the matter.
In conclusion, Jolly reiterated his commitment to continuing his fight for strengthening PRIs by empowering elected representatives and emphasised that the essence of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution of India was to empower local self-governance and promote rural development through grassroots planning by Gram Sabha.