Virbhadra slams PM for failing to fund panchayats

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 22

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that despite repeated requests made to him for allotting adequate budgetary provision for zila parishads and panchayat samitis, no reply has been received by the Central Government so far.

Addressing a gathering after he laid the foundation stone of the Zila Parishad Bhawan at Chalaunthi near Sanjauli here today, the Chief Minister said in case the Union Government failed to provide funds, the state government would pool out the funds from its own resources for these bodies.

The Chief Minister directed the department concerned to complete the work of the building by June 2017. The bhawan would be constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore, he added.

Earlier, zila parishad chairperson Dharmila Harnot and vice-chairman Surinder Retka welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anil Sharma, MLAs Anirudh Singh and Mohan Lal Brakta, HPTDC vice-chairman Harish Janartha and other representatives were present on the occasion.