The atmosphere for Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand is charged with enthusiasm, and along with this, the position of Zilla Panchayat (District Council) Chairperson has once again become a topic of discussion. Results have started coming in from many places, and verbal sparring between the ruling party and the opposition has intensified. But apart from the electoral battle, the curiosity to know what facilities are available after becoming the Zilla Panchayat Chairperson, how much salary is given, and how much power this position holds has increased in the minds of the common people.
Three-Tier Panchayat System
The Panchayat system in Uttarakhand, as well as across the country, is divided into three levels. The lowest level is the Gram Panchayat (Village Council), the second is the Kshetra Panchayat (Block Council), and the highest is the Zilla Panchayat (District Council). The Zilla Panchayat is the most important part of the development plans and rural administration of the entire district. Its head is called the Zilla Panchayat Chairperson.
How the Zilla Panchayat Chairperson is Elected
The Zilla Panchayat Chairperson is not directly elected by the public, but first, Zilla Panchayat members are elected. Then, the chairperson is elected from these elected members based on a majority. Political maneuvering and equations play a big role in this process. Often, the chair is determined through defections, withdrawal of support, and secret meetings.
What is the Salary?
In Uttarakhand, the Zilla Panchayat Chairperson is given an honorarium of ₹15,000 per month. It cannot be called a salary, but it is a government honorarium that has been fixed according to the dignity of the post. In addition, the chairperson also gets many other facilities that make this position influential.
Facility of Government Vehicle and Driver
The Zilla Panchayat Chairperson is given a government vehicle. Along with this, the facility of a driver and the maintenance of the vehicle are also at government expense. This makes it easy for them to travel and inspect throughout the district. This facility is considered essential for monitoring development plans and attending meetings.
Facility of Office and Staff
The Zilla Panchayat Chairperson also gets an office where they can sit and review plans, hold meetings with officials, and communicate with the public. Also, a staff is deployed who handles tasks such as files, records, and correspondence.
Large Scope of Responsibilities
The role of the Zilla Panchayat Chairperson is not just formal, but they play an important role in determining the direction of development in the rural areas of the district. All the schemes of the state government and the central government – such as road construction, primary health centers, schools, drinking water schemes, irrigation, sanitation missions, agricultural development, women empowerment – all these are implemented at the ground level through the Zilla Panchayat.
Role in Budget Allocation
The Zilla Panchayat has a large budget, which is released by the central and state governments. The responsibility for the proper allocation and utilization of this budget is under the supervision of the Zilla Panchayat Chairperson. The chairperson decides which scheme should be given priority in which area and how much money should be spent in which head.
Power to Pass Proposals
In the meetings of the Zilla Panchayat, proposals for various development works are placed. The consent and majority of the chairperson is necessary to pass these proposals. The chairperson has the right to stop, move forward, or ask for time to consider a proposal.
Coordination with Administration is also Necessary
The Zilla Panchayat Chairperson has to work with the administrative officers of the district such as the District Magistrate, Chief Development Officer (CDO), and other departmental officers. Progress of schemes, status of funds, need for new projects, and review of complaints – all this happens through coordination between the administration and the Panchayat.
Direct Contact Source for the Public
The Zilla Panchayat Chairperson remains in direct contact with the public in the villages. The common villagers take their problems, complaints, and suggestions directly to the chairperson. Whether it is a complaint of a bad road or a shortage of water, the issue of no doctor in the hospital or the lack of teachers in the school – the role of the chairperson is very important on all these subjects.
