Black Diwali for Panchayats in Rajasthan: Here's Why Sarpanches are Disappointed with the State Government

Jaipur – In a dramatic turn of events, Sarpanches across Rajasthan have declared their intention to go on an indefinite fast starting November 4. Frustrated by the government's failure to release funds for developmental activities in rural areas, the Sarpanches have also announced that they will not light traditional lamps during Diwali this year as a mark of protest.

A total of ₹7,520 crore, meant for the development of 11,341 panchayats, has been withheld by the central and state governments. This financial shortfall has paralyzed progress in villages, leaving basic development work in a state of stagnation. The Sarpanches, led by the National Sarpanch Sangh, have issued a stern warning to the government, stating that if the budget allocation is not released promptly, they will begin an indefinite hunger strike.

The Core of the Issue: Halted Development Projects

While the ruling BJP government touts its development agenda, on the ground, panchayats across Rajasthan are reeling from a lack of funds. Routine maintenance and other essential services have been severely affected, with Sarpanches raising concerns about the deteriorating conditions in villages.

Sarpanches argue that the lack of financial resources is compounding issues in their constituencies, and development activities have come to a complete halt. Despite multiple letters and meetings with Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar and bureaucrats, no concrete action has been taken to resolve the situation. The continued inaction has left the Sarpanches angered and ready to escalate their protest.

As a sign of their growing frustration, the National Sarpanch Union has declared that this Diwali, they will not light traditional lamps (diya) in the panchayats. The decision is meant to highlight the plight of rural areas and the government's indifference to their concerns. According to the Union's president, Jairam Palsania, the government has repeatedly ignored their requests for the timely allocation of funds. Despite assurances from the Secretary of the Panchayati Raj Department, there has been no change in the situation.

14-Point Charter of Demands Ignored

The Sarpanches have also raised a 14-point charter of demands, which the government has yet to address. Some of the key demands include:

1. Release of pending grants from the State Finance Commission for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24.

2. Increase in wages for laborers and artisans working under the MGNREGA scheme.

3. Permission for offline attendance of workers employed under MGNREGA.

4. Transfer of responsibility for the operation and maintenance of water distribution systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission to the Public Health Engineering Department.

While the Panchayati Raj Department Secretary promised swift action on these demands, the situation on the ground remains unchanged, leading to rising tensions between the Sarpanches and the government.

Further aggravating the situation, Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar's recent statements have drawn widespread criticism from the Sarpanches. Dilawar mentioned that the issue of budget allocation was a "confidential matter," and the funds would be released soon.

However, this remark has infuriated the Sarpanches, who argue that the developmental needs of over 11,000 panchayats cannot be considered a secret. They accuse the government of playing politics instead of resolving the financial crisis.

With their patience wearing thin, the Sarpanches are now preparing for a full-scale protest. The National Sarpanch Sangh has made it clear that if the budget is not released before November 4, they will go on an indefinite hunger strike. The protest is expected to escalate, with support growing from across the state's rural regions.