Andhra Increases Independence Day Funds for Panchayats

 Vijayawada: The state government has enhanced the funds allocated to minor and major gram panchayats for Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations from Rs 100 and Rs 250 to Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively.

Announcing the government’s decision in a release issued on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister (panchayat raj and rural development) K. Pawan Kalyan said the government would provide Rs 10,000 to minor panchayats with a population below 5,000 people and Rs 25,000 to major panchayats with a population above 5,000 people for Independence Day celebrations on August 15 in the state. The funds will be released to panchayats based on the 2011 census.

“Our government is resolved to perform Independence Day celebrations on a grand note in all the villages within the gram panchayats. In this regard, the government has enhanced the funds allocation to address the financial shortages faced by the gram panchayats,” Pawan said.

On the occasion, the government laid down guidelines to be followed in conducting the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations on August 15 and January 26 in the gram panchayats.

Essay writing, quiz and debate competitions on topics like the significance of Independence Day, Constitutional values and Local Bodies Governance, which would instill patriotism in students, should be conducted for government and private school students by school teachers. Prizes should be presented to the winners under their respective gram panchayats.

Subsequently, freedom fighters, people serving in the armed forces and sanitation workers from their respective gram panchayats should be felicitated. Students should be administered an oath on the importance of cleanliness and sanitation as emphasised by Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, sweets should be distributed to children at schools and Anganwadi centres.

Recently, sarpanches from several gram panchayats met with Pawan Kalyan and explained the dire financial situation of the panchayats in the state and the insufficient funds allocated for holding Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.

Upon learning that a mere Rs 100 and Rs 250 had been provided as funds annually for the past 34 years for organising the two national festivals, Pawan has directed the officials to increase the funds sanctioned to the gram panchayats for celebrating the national festivals.