Karnataka JD(S) vows to usher in gram rajya

No acquisition of agricultural lands for industries or housing layouts without the permission of panchayat bodies, drinking water for every hamlet, electricity for every home, greater accountability for bureaucrats and more powers for panchayat bodies. The JD(S) manifesto for zilla and taluk panchayat polls goes all out to declare that the party would usher in gram rajya.

“Developing every village as a self-reliant, hygienic and healthy place to live in is our motto. Welfare of farmers and providing all civic amenities in villages will be our priority. If voted to power we will strengthen panchayat bodies not only by increasing the grants but also making them supreme bodies in deciding issues related to local populace. We will make permission from panchayats mandatory for acquisition of farm land,” JD(S) national president HD Deve Gowda said releasing the party manifesto for ZP and TP polls.

“Elected representatives in panchayats have become puppets in the hands of officials. We will change this. Greater accountability will be fixed for officials in redressing the grievances of the people and executing development works. Gram sabhas should be empowered to select beneficiaries under various welfare schemes for the poor and the backward communities,” Gowda assured.

Roads to connect every village and greater emphasis on mini-water supply schemes also find mention in the manifesto.