In a significant political move, the current Sarpanch (Village Head) body, which is considered as the agent of the Congress Party, has announced the formation of the Haryana Progressive Sarpanch Association (HVSA). This announcement came while addressing the media at the Press Club here today, with a group of former Sarpanches who were previously associated with the Sarpanch body.
Chaudhary Rafiq Hatodi, the State Vice President and State Spokesperson of HVSA, stated, “Unfortunately, the Sarpanch body was not effectively representing the needs and concerns of our villages at various administrative levels within the state government. In fact, the association began functioning as an agent of the Congress Party, thus politicizing a non-political movement. Consequently, we found it necessary to form HVSA, which will work for the betterment of rural Haryana.”
This development holds political significance in the lead-up to the Haryana state assembly elections, scheduled for just a year from now.
Hatodi added, “The role of Sarpanches, who are elected representatives in the Panchayati Raj system in India, is crucial in the social and economic development and empowerment of rural communities. We will strive to improve the working conditions of Sarpanches.”
Narendra, President, Haryana Progressive Sarpanch Association, stated that their primary agenda is to empower Sarpanches further. “We will raise the issue of limiting the E-tendering rights given to Sarpanches. The limit should be increased from the current modest sum of 2 lakh rupees to 50 lakh rupees. Sarpanches should also have the right to write Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) of government officials responsible for implementing rural projects. This will ensure that no official neglects their duties and performs their work efficiently.”
Kamal Kajal, General Secretary of HVSA, added, “The association will work to raise the wages of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) labor from 300 rupees to 600 rupees per day. We also call upon the state government to liberate the Panchayat land that has been illegally occupied in Haryana.”
This move marks an interesting development in the political landscape of Haryana and aims to represent the interests and concerns of Sarpanches more effectively.
