The panches and secretaries of all panchayats in Salcete were present. The rules, regulations and guidelines of availing funds were explained to them. The panchayats were also asked to get the wheels turning soon as the Finance Commission planned to dole out the money by November.
Emphasis was placed on people’s participation in development. The panchayats were asked to form village development committees and include people in all activities. They were asked to complete their audits to avail funds.
“The panchayats are ignoring the outstanding revenue. Rs 80 crore is outstanding, and this cannot continue as the 14th Finance Commission, before giving money, will check for proper audited accounts of the panchayats,” warned Gurudas Pilarnekar, Director of Panchayats.
A guideline for availing funds mandates all the panchayats to increase their revenue by five percent from other sources.
