Panchayat Raj department struggles to execute works amid financial crunch

With local body polls nearing, Telangana’s PRRD department is struggling to fund road repairs and rural works despite drawing up projects worth Rs.374 crore. Panchayat Secretaries face hardships ahead of Dasara, while the ambitious Rs.2,199 crore Panula Jathara faces uncertainty

Hyderabad: Hyderabad: With local body elections approaching, the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (PRRD) department has drawn up plans to execute various development works to win the confidence of the people.

However, financial constraints have become a major hurdle for the cash-strapped department. Following the heavy rains that lashed several parts of the State last month, the department prepared estimates of Rs.374 crore for repairing damaged roads, culverts and other structures.

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Of this, Rs.22.71 crore was earmarked for temporary works and Rs.352 crore for permanent works. While officials managed to carry out some temporary repairs and restore road connectivity, approval for permanent works is still pending due to lack of funds.

With Dasara and Bathukamma festivities set to begin in a few days, Panchayat Secretaries are facing difficulties in ensuring sanitation and making basic arrangements.

“All these months, we managed by spending from our own pockets, but now it is beyond our capacity to take up new works, especially during the festive season. Leave aside roads and other works, even spraying disinfectants in villages has become a financial challenge,” said a member of the Panchayat Secretaries Association.

“The State government owes nearly Rs.100 crore to Panchayat Secretaries. Like many others, we will be compelled to take loans to celebrate Dasara with our families. IFMS cheques pertaining to last August are still pending clearance,” the member added.

Meanwhile, PRRD Minister D Anasuya last month launched the Panula Jathara programme to execute more than one lakh works, including road laying, construction of Anganwadi centres and panchayat buildings. The total estimate for these works was pegged at Rs.2,199 crore. In many constituencies, foundation stones have been laid, while in others works are yet to commence.

These works are being taken up under MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission and Rural Water Supply schemes with Central Government assistance.

Though the department has set a target of completing all these works before March 2026, officials admit that given the current financial situation, meeting the deadline will be a major challenge.