TUMULTUOUS PANCHAYAT SAMITI MEETING

TUMULTUOUS PANCHAYAT SAMITI MEETING

24-JUNE-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------The general meeting of the Piro Panchayat Samiti witnessed a massive uproar over several issues, including Public Distribution System (PDS) dealers providing less than the prescribed quantity of rations to consumers, illiterate individuals being denied rations on the pretext that their names had been removed from the cards (despite being listed), the arbitrary functioning of the Electricity Department, and the dismal state of the 'Nal-Jal' (Tap Water) scheme on the ground. Presided over by Panchayat Samiti Pramukh Runi Khatoon, the meeting saw Shriram Singh—the Mukhiya of Baraon Panchayat and a committee member—raise the issue of irregularities by PDS dealers; he stated that most dealers were supplying four kilograms of grain per unit instead of the mandated five kilograms. Some dealers were allegedly misappropriating the grain meant for genuine consumers by claiming their names were missing from the ration cards. He also took the Junior Engineer of the Electricity Department to task over the failure to arrange electricity poles for the Baraon Panchayat Sarkar Bhawan. Meanwhile, Jamuaon Mukhiya Amod Rai sharply criticized the Junior Electrical Engineer for failing to provide a satisfactory response regarding the relocation of electricity poles installed on a pathway. Members demanded an explanation from the PHED Junior Engineer, alleging that the 'Nal-Jal' scheme was nowhere to be seen on the ground in any of the panchayats; the meeting turned chaotic when no satisfactory answer was provided. Members also held the Medical Officer-in-Charge accountable and demanded answers regarding the lack of adequate facilities at government health sub-centres. Several other issues were prominently raised during the meeting, including ensuring water supply in canals and the failure to disburse social security pensions to beneficiaries on time. Block Development Officer Ashok Kumar, officials from various departments, and all committee members were present at the meeting.