Kothagudem Congress sarpanch accuses officials of blocking Rudrampur development

A Congress sarpanch in Rudrampur, Kothagudem district, accused Panchayat Raj officials of obstructing development works, including basic repairs, and criticised the electricity staff for similar neglect. She also flagged social issues like alcohol addiction.

Kothagudem: The officials in the Minister Seethakka’s panchayat raj department seem to be undermining the elected members if the allegations made by a Congress sarpanch in the district are true.

Rudrampur sarpanch, Banoth Kesli speaking at a gram sabha held to discuss development plans on Friday, made rather serious allegations against the panchayat raj officials. She accused the officials of being uncooperative even when it comes to filling a small pothole in the village.

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While the public demands development, panchayat raj assistant engineer (AE) and divisional engineer (DE) were creating obstacles whenever attempts were made to undertake development and how the panchayat could be developed under such circumstances, she posed adding that the electricity department staff have also been behaving in a similar manner.

Since Rudrampur was a Singareni area, some time back they met the local General Manager (GM) and submitted a representation regarding necessary works based on the people’s needs. The GM responded and took the matter to the company civil department officials’ attention, but the works remain incomplete to this day, Kesli noted.

The sarpanch also highlighted that many people in the village have become addicted to alcohol due to the prevalence of gudumba (illicit liquor) and belt shops, causing families to face financial and social hardships.

Deputy sarpanch Thota Raju of CPI warned that if the officials do not change their attitude, the issues would be taken to the notice of higher authorities. Roads constructed years ago in the Singareni colonies need immediate repairs as they have been completely destroyed and are riddled with potholes, he said.