Sarpanches Across Odisha Intensify Agitation Over ‘Unfulfilled’ Demands; Threaten Mass Resignation

Bhubaneswar: A large number of sarpanches from across Odisha staged a protest on Saturday to press for their 15-point charter of demands, including more fund and power.

Sarpanches from different parts of the state are staging a protest at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar in support of their demands.

Their demands include grant of full power to the sarpanches as per the provision in the three-tier Pachyati Raj system, hike in exigency funds and increase in the amount of pension from Rs 2,350 to Rs 30,000.

Earlier, the sarpanches had submitted a memorandum in this regard to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through the district Collectors around two months ago.

However, they are staging protest at different block headquarters and the state capital as their demands are yet to be met.

The agitators, united under the banner of Sarpanch Mahasangh, alleged that despite working for people in their community round-the-clock without any leave, they are being paid a meagre Rs 2,300.

The sarpanchs also alleged that most of the government projects are being implemented at the grassroots by block level officials without their knowledge and their power and rights are being curtailed.

The sarpanches body threatened to tender mass resignation and launch an indefinite strike if their demands are not met.