No monthly honorarium for newly elected Sarpanches

Newly elected Sarpanches in Telangana have not received their monthly honorarium for three months, leaving them struggling to carry out promised development works. With the government owing over Rs. 24 crore, many leaders are dipping into personal funds to meet village needs.

Hyderabad: Newly elected Sarpanches in the State have not received their monthly honorarium for the past three months, even as they struggle with financial constraints in carrying out development works. The new governing bodies assumed office in 12,702 villages on December 22 last year. However, the Sarpanches have yet to receive any honorarium since then.

The State government provides a monthly honorarium of Rs. 6,500. With payments pending for three months, each Sarpanch is due Rs. 19,500. Overall, the government owes more than Rs. 24 crore. In 2021, the previous BRS government had increased the honorarium to the current level.

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During the Gram Panchayat elections, many candidates promised to take up development works and address local issues. While some have delivered on their commitments, others are unable to proceed due to a lack of funds from the government. In several instances, Sarpanches are using their own money to carry out basic works in their villages.

Meanwhile, former Sarpanches continue to stage protests over unpaid dues. They allege that the government has not cleared bills for works completed during their tenure.

“We are yet to receive Rs. 530 crore in pending bills. Despite repeated requests, the government has not resolved the issue,” said Telangana Sarpanch Sangham Joint Action Committee president Yadaiah Goud. Former Sarpanches have been urging the government to clear these dues at the earliest.