Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a series of measures to strengthen the role of elected panchayat representatives, including an increase in their honorarium and allowances and the revival of a ₹25 lakh development fund for kshetra panchayats.
The announcements were made at a conference organised by the Uttarakhand Pramukh Sangathan at the Mukhyasevak Sadan in Dehradun on Sunday.
Dhami also announced the inclusion of kshetra panchayat pramukhs in the block-level committee of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). He further said that the views of the concerned gram panchayat would be sought before a village is incorporated into an urban area.
Honorarium and Allowances for Panchayat Representatives to Be Increased
The Chief Minister announced an increase in the honorarium and allowances of kshetra panchayat pramukhs, senior and junior vice-pramukhs, and kshetra panchayat members.
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Representatives from the state’s 13 zila panchayats, 95 kshetra panchayats and 7,813 gram panchayats have been seeking an increase in their honorarium for some time.
In 2021, the state government increased the monthly honorarium of gram pradhans to ₹1,500. However, the source notes that no corresponding decision had been taken at that time for representatives of zila and kshetra panchayats.
₹25 Lakh Development Fund for Kshetra Panchayats to Be Restored
Dhami also announced the revival of the ₹25 lakh fund previously provided to kshetra panchayats for development works.
The fund had been discontinued earlier. Its restoration will allow kshetra panchayats to receive the allocation again for local development activities.
The announcement was part of the government’s stated effort to strengthen these local bodies and address the concerns raised by their elected representatives.
Kshetra Panchayat Pramukhs to Join NRLM Block-Level Committees
Another announcement concerns the representation of elected panchayat leaders in the implementation of rural livelihood programmes.
The Chief Minister said kshetra panchayat pramukhs would be included in the block-level committee of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
He also announced that gram panchayats would be consulted before their villages are included within urban areas.
Dhami Highlights Role of Panchayat Representatives
Addressing the conference, Dhami described panchayat representatives as an important link between the government and the public.
He said elected local representatives understand the problems of their communities and play an important role in improving basic facilities such as roads, drinking water, healthcare and education.
The Chief Minister added that the government was aware of the concerns, suggestions and demands raised by panchayat representatives. He said the relevant departments would be consulted to consider appropriate decisions on these issues.
Existing Honorarium of Panchayat Representatives in Uttarakhand
The honorarium rates provided are as follows:
- Kshetra panchayat pramukh: ₹6,000 per month
- Senior and junior vice-pramukhs: ₹1,500 per month
- Kshetra panchayat members: ₹500 per month
- Gram pradhan: ₹3,500 per month
- Up-pradhan: ₹500 per month
- Zila panchayat chairperson: ₹10,000 per month
- Zila panchayat vice-chairperson: ₹5,000 per month
- Zila panchayat members: ₹1,000 per meeting
The announced increase is expected to cover the specified kshetra panchayat representatives.
