View Article - Institute of Development Studies

32The RSP MLA from Beldanga, Murshibbad, Timir Baran Bhaduri dissented on thefollowing points:i. The enhanced role of MPs and MLAs proposed in the Bill of 1973 would chokelocal leadership from emerging.ii. An ill-financed PRI under total governmental control will not be able to performsatisfactorily. This will have a negative impression upon the village folk. Theywould view with suspicion and cynicism the very notion of democraticinstitutions.iii. Pradhans and Upapradhans of GPs should be directly elected by the people soas to avoid factional feuds.iv. The provision that any matter can be taken up for discussion even if it is not inthe agenda if the members present agree to it by a majority decision can haveserious consequences. Any and every matter can be then decided upon by takingadvantage of an opportune moment when progressive and opposing membersare absent from the meetings.v. The state government must provide for funds.vi. Panchayat tax has to be so fixed that the rural rich are taxed at higher rates andthe poor at lower rates, ensuring exemption for the poorest.A Congress (O) legislator, Pradyot Kumar Mahanti, was eloquent in scripting hisdissent.i. A fundamental principle of people’s participation has been disregarded; powerhas been concentrated in the government, for use through its bureaucraticapparatus. Thus, it seeks to tie the hands of Panchayat bodies with differentcontrolling measures that act as brakes at every step.ii. No commitment for adequate resources has been made available to Panchayatbodies to enable them to discharge their responsibilities. Thus, there is amplescope for the government either to squeeze the power of Panchayat bodies in thename of granting financial assistance or to make them tools of the party in power.iii. There has been no move to place the Block staff at the disposal of the PanchayatSamiti.iv. Under Clause 216, the State may appoint administrators for PRIs; in such cases,the members of PRIs shall vacate their offices. It can reasonably be apprehendedthat if the panchayat bodies fail to satisfy the party in power in spite of theircapability, sincerity and good work, they will be ousted from office. Suchprovisions are denial of democratic rights to elected bodies.