MLC urges government to increase allowances of panchayat members, pay them telephone expenses

Member of Legislative Council Kishor Kumar Puttur has urged the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) department to increase allowances payable to gram panchayat members. The allowances have not been revised for the last three decades.

Meeting RDPR Secretary Sameer Shukla in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 1, Mr. Puttur also urged the government to pay telephone allowances to the members. The MLC noted that gram panchayat presidents, vice-presidents, and members are eligible to receive travelling allowance as per the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Rules.

Mr. Puttur noted that gram panchayat members were the direct representatives of the people of Karnataka. Enhancing their honourarium and providing facilities will improve the rural administration, he added.

As per the Rules, they can claim a travel allowance of 40 paise per km if the places are not connected by bus or any other mode of public transport. Members are also eligible for a daily allowance during official outstation travel₹35 per day for Bengaluru and ₹25 per day for other places.

Mr. Puttur told the Secretary that the Rules were framed about three decades ago and presently, the prescribed rates are meagre. Therefore, the Rules should be amended forthwith to provide a travelling allowance of ₹15 per km and a daily allowance of ₹1,000. Considering the dynamic roles they need to play, members should be given a telephone allowance of at least ₹1,000 for internet and voice calls, he said.

Mr. Shukla told the MLC that the issue will be brought to the notice of the Minister and necessary steps will be taken.