PORVORIM: The BJP-led government has allocated over Rs. 950 crores to Panchayats and Municipalities in its 2023-24 budget, aiming to bring about a change in the administration of both rural and urban areas.
The government has ensured timely release of funds and salaries to local bodies every month.
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Rs. 356.95 crores have been allocated to Panchayats, with the proposal to increase the honorarium of the Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch, and Panch members. Additionally, the government aims to implement a mechanism to credit salaries at the end of every month to avoid administrative delays.
A fund of Rs. 3.5 crores has been earmarked for rural garbage disposal, with Rs. 17.50 crores for infrastructure development in Panchayats. The government has also made a provision of Rs. 6 crores for infrastructure development under the “Deendayal Infrastructure Development Scheme” and allows Zilla Panchayat members to undertake development works up to Rs. 50 lakhs in their respective areas.
To prevent duplication of works by multiple agencies, the government proposes to implement a GIS-based monitoring system for infrastructure works, enabling geo-tagging.
Rs. 604.32 crores have been allocated to urban bodies, with a 26.33% increase in grants to local bodies. For Smart City works, the government has made a provision of Rs. 150 crores.
The government is preparing Master Plans for all Urban Local Bodies to regulate urban growth and future development. Initial preparation of Master Plans for Margao, Mapusa, Ponda, and Valpoi Municipal Councils is underway. The Master Plan developed for Sankhali will be implemented expeditiously.
A special provision of Rs five crore has been made to rehabilitate notified slum dwellers in urban areas of Margao, Mormugao, and Panaji.
