ZP CHIEFS PLACE NINE DEMANDS;

Madikeri December 25, 2006

The Presidents and vice presidents of Zilla Panchayaths yesterday passed a resolution demanding the status they enjoyed during 1983.

Nine resolutions were passed in the state conference held at Coorg International Hotel here yesterday.

Inaugurating the conference by lighting the lamp, Shantha Mallikarjuna Swamy of Arameri kalancheri mutt regretted that the values and principles of politics are diminishing in the present day. Stating that people get vast opportunity to serve people through politics, he called upon the elected representatives become voice to the voice less and strength to the feeble. He also said that damage done to buildings including Parliament Bhavan could be repaired, but damage done to values will be irreparable.

Advisor to Abdul Nazeersab Rural training centre at Mysore, Bachettira Madappa stated that pressure should be brought on the government to give more power to the ZPs. He alleged that the government is trying to snub the powers of ZPs. He quipped by stating that the ZP chiefs should protest against functioning as postmen.

Working president of the ZP chief’s federation; A.M.Venktesh said that though the government has orally agreed to fulfill some of their demands, nothing has materialized so far. He regretted that the relationship between MLAs and elected representatives are souring due to loopholes in power sharing.

The conference chaired by Kodagu ZP president Ashok passed a resolution with nine demands. The demands include Status of Cabinet and ministry status to presidents and vice presidents, non interference from officials, freedom to raise fund through taxes, non interference by MLAs and others in the distribution of works and funds etc. The meeting decided to appeal to the government to implement it at the earliest.

Chief executive officer Sundar naik also spoke on the occasion.