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Key Points

The BJD has announced a major protest gherao of the Odisha Assembly on September 23rd. They accuse the BJP state government of systematically dismantling the Panchayati Raj system by reducing powers of elected representatives. Senior leaders claim chairpersons have been reduced to "rubber stamps" while bureaucrats now control project approvals. The party is mobilizing grassroots representatives across the state to protest what they call an attack on democracy.

Key Points: BJD to Gherao Odisha Assembly Over BJP Panchayati Raj Power Cuts

  • BJD accuses BJP govt of systematically weakening three-tier Panchayati Raj system
  • Powers shifted from elected reps to bureaucrats like BDOs
  • Budget cuts affecting Jal Jeevan Mission and housing schemes
  • MGNREGA wage payments delayed for registered laborers
2 min read

Odisha: BJD to 'gherao' Assembly on Sep 23 over reduced powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions

BJD announces gherao of Odisha Assembly on Sep 23, protesting BJP government's move to curtail powers of Panchayati Raj institutions and elected representatives.

"The Zilla Parishad Presidents have already become rubber stamps - Arun Kumar Sahoo"

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20

The main opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday announced that it will stage a 'gherao' of the Odisha Assembly on September 23, accusing the state government of weakening the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) by systematically curtailing the powers of elected representatives at the grassroots level.

Speaking at a press conference here, senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra alleged that the state government has reduced the budget for various social welfare programmes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, and Antyodaya Awas Yojana, etc.

He also alleged that the labourers registered under the flagship Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) programme are getting their wages.

Mishra also stated that BJD will not remain a silent spectator and hold a protest against the conspiracy by BJP-led state government to destroy the three-tier Panchayati Raj systems in Odisha. He further informed that the powers of elected representatives at the grassroot level, such as Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Sabhas, are being curtailed by the state government.

Meanwhile, speaking to media persons, senior BJD leader Arun Kumar Sahoo accused the state government of continuously working to dismantle the three-tier Panchayati Raj system—Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat—over the past 15 months.

“An instruction, which had already received cabinet approval, was issued yesterday, curtailing the powers of chairpersons at the panchayat samiti (block) level. It vested the authority to clear projects up to Rs 10 lakh with Block Development Officers (BDOs), effectively reducing the chairpersons to mere rubber stamps. The Zilla Parishad Presidents have already become rubber stamps,” he alleged.

Sahoo further alleged that the Collectors and MLAs have also been given the power to change the projects passed in Gram Sabhas and Panchayats.

The senior BJD leader appealed to all elected representatives, including Sarpanchs, Samiti Sabhyas, Ward Members, and Zilla Parishad Members, in the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat) across the state to unite and gherao the Odisha Assembly on September 23 in protest against the BJP-led state government, to save democracy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As someone from rural Odisha, I've seen how Panchayats actually help people. If BDOs get all the power, what's the point of electing local representatives? This move will only create more corruption and delay development work.
M
Michael C
While I understand the concern about decentralization, maybe there's a need for better accountability mechanisms. Perhaps the government is trying to streamline processes? But reducing elected representatives to rubber stamps doesn't seem right.
S
Suresh O
BJD had 20+ years to strengthen Panchayati Raj but did nothing. Now they're protesting? This looks like political drama before elections. Both parties play games with our development.
A
Ananya R
Reducing budgets for Jal Jeevan and Awas Yojana is concerning. These are essential schemes for rural Odisha. If PRI institutions are weakened, how will these programs reach the neediest? Government should reconsider this decision.
V
Vikram M
The 73rd Amendment clearly mandates empowerment of local bodies. This move seems unconstitutional. Hope the courts take note if the government doesn't reverse this decision. Democracy should flow from bottom up, not top down!

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