Mangaluru: The district unit of various cadre associations of officials and employees of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, along with the Federation of Gram Panchayat Members, has announced an indefinite protest starting on October 4. The protest aims to press the government to meet their long-standing demands by suspending Gram Panchayat services.
The organisation highlighted that approximately 68-70% of the state’s population relies on Gram Panchayats for nearly 70% of essential services. The system involves Gram Panchayat presidents, vice-presidents, members, Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs), secretaries, second-grade accounts assistants, tax collectors, water suppliers, office assistants, and sanitation staff.
For several years, these workers have been appealing to the government and the department to address various challenges they face in their duties and to implement proper systems. However, their requests have gone unheeded, and Panchayat Development Officers, employees, and staff continue to be held solely responsible for all issues.
In response to what they consider the government’s and department’s disregard, the associations have called for a state-wide indefinite protest beginning on October 4. Gram Panchayat services, including Bapuji Seva and all office duties, will be suspended, except for essential services such as drinking water, street lighting, and sanitation. The protest will take place at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.