KPR Act: Only 54 GPs reconstitute standing committees in DK

With the efforts of Jana Shikshana Trust and Sugrama Elected Gram Panchayat Women Members' Federation, 54 gram panchayats in undivided Dakshina Kannada have reconstituted Standing Committees as per the Section 61 of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act (2015).

The Act came into existence, on February 25, 2016 through a gazette notification. Even after two years, the habitations have not been notified as per the Act.

As per Section 61, gram panchayats should be reconstituted. The GPs should have three standing committees – a general committee (with vice president as president); finance, auditing and planning committee (with president as chief); and social justice committee (GP member from SC/ST community should be made president).

In order to strengthen the Panchayat Raj system, the Jana Shikshana Trust, The Hunger Project and Sugrama Elected Gram Panchayat Women Members' Federation, had trained elected members of 60 selected gram panchayats in four taluks – Puttur, Bantwal, Mangaluru and Udupi – on the effective implementation of the Act.

Accordingly, the standing committees have been reconstituted in 15 gram panchayats in Puttur, in 14 GPs in Bantwal, in 11 GPs in Mangaluru and 14 in Udupi taluks. There are 41 GPs in Puttur, 58 in Bantwal, 55 in Mangaluru and 59 Udupi taluks.

Social justice committee

In Puttur, out of 15 GPs, the post of president of the social justice committee has been given to six women from SC, 2 women from ST community, along with five men from SC and two men from ST community.

In Bantwal, out of 14 GPs, the post of the president of the committee has been given to six women, one man from SC and four women and 3 men from ST community.

In Mangaluru, out of 11 GPs, the post of the president of the committee has been given to five women, 1 male member from SC community and 5 women from ST community.

In Udupi taluk out of 14 GPs, the post of the president has been given to six women, two men from SC, four women and two men of ST community.

'No clarity'

Jana Shikshana Trust director Sheena Shetty said, "Only standing committees have been reconstituted in 54 gram panchayats. Though the Act mentions on honorarium for the president of standing committee, there is no clarity on the issue so far."

As per Section 3 of the Act, the deputy commissioners of the respective districts should notify the habitations with 100 to 300 population. 'Habitation Sabha' should be organised prior to the 'Ward Sabha' and 'Gram Sabha'. No such initiative has been taken up in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts so far. Before the Act came into existence, there was no scope for 'Habitation Sabha'. The 'Habitation Sabha' has been given preference to strengthen the Panchayat Raj system and gram panchayats. The Act had stressed on 'Habitation Sabha' to ensure an environment that upholds social justice and is safe and congenial for all people generally and, in particular, people of the vulnerable sections of the society to exercise their rights.

Even five-year term for gram panchayat presidents have also not been implemented as there were instances of gram panchayat president being asked to tender resignations in the district as well.