Dy CM Pawan Kalyan Unearthing Jagan Scams

Dy CM Pawan unearthing Jagan scams. AP Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan has raised concerns about the fate of Panchayat funds allocated by the 15th Finance Commission, alleging that the Jagan Mohan Reddy government may have diverted these funds. He claims that over Rs. 6,000 crores in funds, originally intended for panchayats, have not been properly accounted for.  

While the central government provides these funds in installments, it has imposed certain conditions, including a subsidy for electricity provided to panchayats. This subsidy is often returned to the central government in installments, with the threat of withholding future panchayat funds if states fail to comply. This complex system has led to discrepancies, with both AP and Telangana facing similar challenges.

Despite directives from the Centre, AP panchayats were required to return the funds due until the end of March 2023, which they did in three installments. However, outstanding dues remain, raising further concerns about the utilization and accountability of these funds.

Pawan Kalyan's intervention highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in managing panchayat funds. He suggests that instead of focusing on potential diversions, the focus should be on empowering panchayats to become financially self-sufficient. This approach, he argues, would alleviate the reliance on external funding and potentially address the issues of mismanagement and delays.

While both AP and Telangana have struggled to manage these funds effectively, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have made progress in achieving financial self-sufficiency for their panchayats. This demonstrates that a shift in focus from reliance on external funding to self-reliant models could be a solution for the Telugu states as well.

Pawan Kalyan's inquiry serves as a crucial reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency in managing public funds, particularly for panchayats. It also prompts a broader discussion about the long-term financial sustainability of panchayats and the potential benefits of empowering them to become self-reliant.