The conflict over the issue launching the E-tendering scheme in the Panchayats continues to result in ruckus. The ruling BJP and all opposition parties are eyeball to eyeball pertaining to the issue. Taking a new step, the state government has started the e-tendering process for development works of Panchayats worth more than Rs 2 lakh. The government cited that the new system will not only eliminate the corruption but also ensure transparency in the system as well as timely delivery of development works. On February 28, the first day of the dharna, the Sarpanchs had a long discussion with the Chief Minister’s OSD but could not reach any conclusion. After this, on March 2, talks were held between the both sides in presence of DIG for about 3 hours, but this too could not yield any solution.
Chief Minster Manohar Lal Khattar has expressed his opinion on the matter in a very balanced and positive manner and continuously tried to convince the sarpanchs by saying that with the introduction of e-tendering, there will be transparency in the panchayats. Apart from this, development works will be done on time. Taking on the opposition he said that the opposition parties are continuously tricking the Sarpanchs. The Sarpanchs have no problem with this scheme, the opposition parties are deliberately tricking the Sarpanchs into demonstrating.
On the other hand, opposing the new initiative of the state government, Ranbir Singh Samain , president of sarpanch union stated that by taking such steps and eliminating the constitutional rights of the sarpanches clearly indicates the ill-intentions of the ruling faction. Further, taking on the state government, he said that bringing their financial powers to an end is not fair. The sarpanches have been sitting on a dharna at the Panchkula-Chandigarh border for the last 4 days regarding the matter. There is also an aspect in this matter that in view of the forthcoming elections next year, all political parties are trying to take maximum political mileage from the matter.
The main opposition party Congress is firmly standing in support of the village heads regarding the matter. Opposing e-tendering, the Congress stalwart Kumari Saileja visited the agitation spot, Chandigarh-Panchkula border on 2 March here on Friday. Besides, the party stalwart and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son Deepender Singh Hooda also mobilizing against the government regarding the ongoing matter.
