Following b public opposition and the collective resignations of panchayat representatives against the proposed liquor shop in Chevri Panchayat of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, the state government has taken a significant decision. Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, taking immediate cognizance of the matter, has instructed the Excise Commissioner to close the shop. Now, the liquor shop will not open in Khera village of Chevri Panchayat.
Immediate Action on Public Protest
Minister Anirudh Singh said that as soon as he received information about the matter, he immediately spoke to the Excise Department and, keeping in mind the public sentiment, issued orders to close the shop. He clarified that the permission of the Gram Panchayat is not necessary to open a liquor shop, as this decision is entirely that of the Excise Department. However, taking the collective protest of the people and the resignations of the panchayat representatives seriously, it was necessary to take this step.
The Minister said that the government cannot ignore the voice of the people. Public participation will be given priority in every development decision, and respecting the sentiments of the people is the government's priority.
No New Panchayats Formed Amidst Economic Crisis
Amidst the controversy over the liquor shop, Minister Anirudh Singh also clarified that, due to the state's poor economic condition, no new panchayats will be formed for the time being. He informed that the government had received proposals for the formation of about 750 new panchayats, but they had to be postponed for now, considering the current financial crisis.
The Minister said that it costs around Rs 10 lakh annually to run a panchayat, while the construction of a panchayat building costs up to Rs 1.14 crore. In such a situation, the government does not currently have sufficient resources to bear the expenditure on the operation and construction of new panchayats.
Panchayat Elections to be Held on Schedule
Although new panchayats will not be formed, the panchayat elections will be held on time. The election process is expected to begin in mid-December. The Minister said that the Panchayati Raj system is crucial for the development of villages and strengthening the roots of democracy, therefore, there will be no laxity in this regard.
