Darbhanga– Tensions are running high in Bhalpatti Panchayat under Darbhanga Sadar Block as villagers express their frustration over the cancellation of the Gram Sabha scheduled for January 26, 2024. The discord stems from the absence of key officials, including the Panchayat head and Secretary, at the designated venue.
In an invitation letter issued by the Panchayat Secretary on January 25, villagers were notified of the Gram Sabha scheduled for 11 am on January 26. Despite the timely efforts of villagers to reach the Panchayat Bhawan, no officials were present at the venue until 12 o’clock, sparking considerable anger among the community.
Villagers are questioning the absence of the Panchayat head and officials at the appointed time, raising concerns about the accountability and transparency of the Panchayati Raj system. Questions loom as to whether the Panchayat head is apprehensive about engaging with the local populace. Furthermore, the villagers are demanding answers from the Panchayat Secretary, questioning the issuance of the invitation letter if officials were unable to attend.
This incident sheds light on the deteriorating state of the Panchayati Raj system. The Gram Sabha, as the smallest unit of democracy, serves as a crucial platform for villagers to voice their opinions and actively participate in local development plans. The failure to organize the Gram Sabha is viewed by the villagers as a direct affront to the democratic process.
The villagers have not taken this lightly and are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter, urging appropriate action against the Panchayat Secretary. Furthermore, they are calling for regular and consistent organization of Gram Sabha in the future to safeguard the democratic rights of the villagers.
This unfortunate incident underscores the significance of Gram Sabha in empowering villagers and providing them a voice in shaping their community’s future. The villagers are resolute in ensuring that such violations of democratic rights do not recur in the future, emphasizing the need for accountability within the Panchayati Raj system.