Panchayat leaders meet Deputy CM, urge to address key rural demands

Mangalagiri – Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Chamber leaders and Sarpanch Association members met with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday, presenting a comprehensive list of demands to address the challenges faced by rural governance bodies and officials across the state. The two-and-a-half-hour meeting at Pawan Kalyan’s Mangalagiri office highlighted the need for better support, resources, and compensation for local officials who are essential to the administration and welfare of rural communities.

26 demands presented to address rural needs

State Panchayat Raj Chamber President YVB Rajendraprasad outlined 26 demands that reflect the immediate concerns of Gram Panchayats and their officials. He emphasized the need for increased funding, administrative control, and benefits for rural leadership. Key demands included merging village secretariats with Gram Panchayats to streamline welfare programs under Sarpanch supervision and raising honorariums for Sarpanchs, MPTCs, and ZPTCs. The Central and State governments must directly pay Clap Mitras’ salaries.

Increasing the honorariums will recognize the significant role played by Sarpanchs in local governance,” said Rajendraprasad.

Requests for Sarpanch honorariums and welfare support

Among the major requests, Rajendraprasad proposed raising the honorarium for Sarpanchs and MPTCs from Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000 and for MPPs and ZPTCs from Rs 6,000 to Rs 30,000. Additionally, the leaders requested that the state government cover electricity bills for minor Gram Panchayats, which often face financial constraints.

Protocol darshan and annual benefits for local leaders

The delegation also sought an annual “protocol darshan” for Sarpanchs and their families at Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy temple, adding that such privileges would honour their commitment to local governance.

Pawan Kalyan’s assurance for positive action

In response to the detailed demands, Pawan Kalyan assured the leaders of his commitment to supporting rural development. He pledged to bring the issues to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s attention and discuss the feasibility of each demand with relevant officials.

I will work to bring these concerns to the cabinet, and I assure you that we will meet monthly to follow up on progress,” Kalyan told the assembled leaders.

Widespread participation

Over 118 district presidents and committee members from across Andhra Pradesh attended the meeting, including General Secretary Birru Prathapareddy, Sarpanch Association State President Vanapalli Mutyala Rao, and Telangana Panchayat Raj Chamber Honourary President P Narendra. The leaders expressed gratitude to Pawan Kalyan for his recent efforts in releasing Rs 4,500 crore for rural development initiatives.

This meeting signifies a continued effort to address rural challenges and strengthen the support system for local governance across Andhra Pradesh.