Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Chambers vice-president Anepu Ramakrishna on Thursday alleged that YSRCP government ruined all local bodies including Zilla Parishads, panchayats and municipalities financially by diverting ₹8,660 crore of funds sanctioned by the Union government through the 14th and 15th Finance Commission.
In a press release, he alleged that sarpanches of all parties were unable to ensure even basic amenities and sanitation in villages in the absence of funds from the government.
He asked the government to release funds and provide free power to panchayat buildings. Mr. Anepu Ramakrishna expressed concern over parallel administrative system with the appointment of volunteers in villages.
“Elected sarpanches should have more powers and responsibilities. But it is missing the volunteers’ system. We strongly oppose this. The issues of local bodies have been brought to the notice of former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada. The local bodies will be self-reliant if TDP is voted to power,” said Mr. Ramakrishna.
