(a) whether the Government have received complaints regarding the interference of
District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA) in the works of Gram Panchayats;
(b) if so, whether the Gram Panchayats are still dependent of DRDA for the financial
support;
(c) if so, the details of the financial assistance provided by DRDA to the Gram
Panchayats; and
(d) the steps proposed by the Government to make panchayats financially sound and
independent?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SURYAKANTA PATIL)
(a): No, Sir. No such complaint has been received in this Ministry regarding the
interference of District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA) in the works of Gram
Panchayats.
(b) to (d): Under Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) resources are allocated
among the village Panchayats, Intermediate Panchayats and Zilla Panchayat through
DRDA in the ratio of 50:30:20. During the year 2005-06, central allocation for the
programme is Rs. 5396.50 crores and state allocation is Rs. 1798.83 crores. In addition,
35.33 lakh MT foodgrains have been allocated for the Programme. 50% of total resources
is meant for Village Panchayats for execution of works. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) (including Village Panchayats) are independent for preparation and approval of Plans for execution of works. At the village level, the entire works relating to coordination, review, supervision and monitoring of the programme is the responsibility of the Village Panchayats.