Grant Distribution Meeting Held After Nine Months
(Jind News) Jind. On Tuesday, the District Council convened a grant distribution meeting after a nine-month hiatus. Chairperson Manisha Randhawa was granted the authority to distribute ₹6.17 crores for rural development. A total of 21 members attended the meeting, including 17 District Council members and four Block Committee chairpersons, all of whom agreed to empower the chairperson for the distribution.
The last grant distribution meeting for rural development took place in June 2024. A subsequent meeting scheduled for December 6 was canceled after councillors submitted a no-confidence motion against the chairperson to the Deputy Commissioner. Consequently, no councillors attended the grant distribution meeting at that time, with 18 out of 25 councillors signing an affidavit regarding the no-confidence motion.
After three canceled meetings regarding the no-confidence motion, the chairperson met with BJP leadership and expressed her allegiance to the party. In the recent grant distribution meeting, members who had previously proposed the no-confidence motion were absent. The District Council's CEO and the SDM of Julana, Anil Duhan, facilitated the passing of the budget by raising hands among the members. The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which the budget was allocated. Councillors also requested laptops and printers for their needs.
During the grant distribution meeting, the chairperson and the District Council CEO requested ₹49 crores from the government for rural development in the upcoming year to ensure basic amenities are available in all villages. Additionally, Councillor Gurmel Dhabi Tek Singh from Ward One raised concerns about the lack of regular bus services from the private transport committee, which has affected students traveling to schools and colleges, as well as the general public.
Councillor Gurmel Singh highlighted issues with contractors misusing the grants provided by the District Council, stating that they often receive full payment for incomplete work. He mentioned that in Pipaltha village, a library remains unfinished while the contractor has been fully paid. CEO Anil Duhan promised to investigate this matter. Complaints were also made regarding buses not stopping at the bus shelter in Gosai Khera, with road transport officials warned to ensure buses stop at the designated area instead of bypassing it via the flyover. Furthermore, a councillor from Ward 16 reported that water has accumulated in the streets of Biroli village, making it difficult for residents to exit their homes. Despite complaints to the DC and other officials, no action has been taken.
The Block Committee Chairperson noted that Gangoli village lacks potable water, despite multiple complaints to the public health department without any resolution.
District Council President Manisha Randhawa stated that ₹6.17 crores have been allocated for rural development projects. She emphasized the importance of officials attending these meetings to address public issues, and those who were absent would receive show-cause notices.
