Gram Panchayat Funds Joint Cheque powers in Gram Panchayats shall be continued in Telangana State, The system of joint signature shall be continued, Gram Panchayat funds, Joint Cheque powers in Gram Panchayats.
G.O.RT.No. 278. Dated: 06.12.2014: Telangana State Government, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department has issued GO.278 on today for Joint Cheque powers in Gram Panchayats.
So, in this order the Government has ordered that “all Scheme Funds as well as Gram Panchayat Funds shall be jointly operated by the Sarpanch with the Joint Signature of Panchayat Secretary” in Telangana State with immediate effect. Sarpanches in Telangana State lose right to sign cheques.
Government have released various grants to the Gram Panchayats for takingup the developmental activities such as maintenance of CPWS Schemes, Sanitation, Internal roads, Street lighting, Gram Panchayat buildings and other developmental works etc., under 13th Finance Commission, BRGF, RGPSA and other schemes.
It has been brought to the notice of the Government that most of the Gram Panchayats are not properly utilizing the grants received from the State Government and some of the Gram Panchayats are utilizing the funds without following the norms which causes neglect of developmental activities in the Gram Panchayats besides lack of transparency in public spending.
There is need to strengthening the flow of funds, the booking of authorised expenditure, furnishing of utilization certificates and progress reports besides ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial transactions of the Gram Panchayat.
Gram Panchayats at their representatives are public servants as specified under the act, and therefore all activities need to be done only in public interest on behalf of the Panchayat and not in their individual capacities.
The Government of Telangana expect all the Gram Panchayats to collect their taxes for the services being provided by the Gram Panchayat. Hence the transparency and accountability in financial transactions is of utmost significance.
Government after careful examination of the matter and keeping in view of the scheme guidelines of Government of India, and in the larger interest of the Gram Panchayat administration, have decided to continue the system of joint signature in the interest of transparency and accountability. Accordingly,
the Government here by order that “all Scheme Funds as well as Gram Panchayat Funds shall be jointly operated by the Sarpanch with the Joint Signature of Panchayat Secretary” in Telangana State with immediate effect.
The Commissioner, Panchayat Raj and Rural Employment, Telangana, Hyderabad, all the District Collectors and District Panchayat Officers of Telangana shall take necessary action accordingly.