Q. Subsequent to your assuming charge, the panchayat elections took place. How was the experience? 

A. The first task entrusted to me was conducting those polls, which involved delimitation as well as reservation of wards – an extremely sensitive issue. To a considerable extent and to the satisfaction of the majority, we were able to evolve consensus among the people handling this and – with some discussion with stakeholders – we were in a position to coordinate the elections smoothly with a fine reservation policy. 20 wards were earmarked for S.C.s. Reservation was already in existence for O.B.C.s and S.T.s but not S.C.s. We used to nominate them wherever they were predominant but such representatives enjoyed no voting right. If required, I will make efforts to amend the Panchayati Raj Act to guarantee smoother functioning. 

Q. What is being done on the cleanliness front? 

A. Prior to the polls, I convened a conference of sarpanchs, their deputies and former sarpanchs and gave them a mandate of only one clear-cut policy – they must keep villages clean and green. I said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi desires a Swachh Bharat and it is the duty of ward members to make certain that their respective areas are clean. It is not only a responsibility of the state but also of the people. An elected representative at the grassroots level has to take accountability and the most important thing was that even before the newly-elected bodies got into the group I had already passed on the message. Today also our major thrust is on keeping villages dirt-free and verdant; the open-defecation-free programme is being transferred to village councils. The file has already moved and the Centre is directly involved. It will provide funds straight to panchayats and the latter shall have toilets constructed in every household lacking one. This is a massive initiative. 

Q. A word on challenges. 

A. Tackling unauthorised construction is a crucial one. We are going to regularise most dwellings with a 2004 cut-off date announced by the predecessor government but unlawful raising will not be encouraged. We are seeking to streamline the procedure so that everybody feels that it is better to obtain the panchayat licence and various permissions. The test is to maintain villages’ aesthetic beauty in tandem with sustainable development. We have to see that unabated construction is controlled. 

Q. What is being done about schemes? 

A. I noticed that some Panchayati Raj programmes are unutilised. Directives were passed by me that the elected representative has to keep a target in every panchayat with the block development officers concerned who will report what they are doing. They should visit panchayats regularly and interact with secretaries who have to be mandated that this is your job. All this shall be put in place in the next few months. 

Q. How is the scene vis-a-vis infrastructure development? 

A. We will repair dilapidated panchayat buildings and construct new ones wherever necessary. We shall proceed in a manner that people feel a sense of belonging with regard to panchayats. Not only sarpanchs but also deputies and panchs would be accountable. 

Q. Any financial constraint? 

A. In the past funds were not used. Panchayats would be disbursed greater amounts because the Chief Minister announced a further Rs. 40 cr. as budgetary allocation. New Delhi has been inclined to give as much as possible, we should work out our ventures. 

Q. What is being done to ensure stability? 

A. Right now with simple majority you can replace a sarpanch. We may increase this by making it a difference of a minimum two votes so that it would not be so easy to dislodge such an official once he or she is elected. We have to take overall factors into consideration. Making sarpanchs more stable may also have accompanying problems. The person might become dictatorial and that could result in social tension. So we are looking at all issues and I will decide only after taking into confidence opposition legislators, stakeholders, panchayats and zila parishads. v