Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

Village panchayat chiefs getting computer-savvy

By T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI AUG. 21. A group of elected village leaders, which is making a difference to rural communities in its own way, would like to be technology-friendly. These panchayats' presidents, belonging to different age groups and varied social backgrounds, demand provision of computers to make their functioning easier.

It is not for personal `comfort' that the elected-representatives want computers. They are aware that communication with the outside world — government departments and non-governmental organisations — can be done quickly. Accounts of their panchayats can be stored and retrieved easily. More importantly, "this will facilitate transparency in our functioning", says A. Jamruth Beevi of the Devipattinam panchayat in Ramanathapuram district.

Village leaders such as Jamruth Beevi are now participating in a programme at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) here to share their experiences with one another and exchange views on issues of common interest.

They point out that self-help groups get government aid in purchasing computers and running even Netcafes. "Why cannot we get such a support," asks Ponni Kailasam of the Ananikuppam panchayat in the Nannilam block of Tiruvarur district.

In fact, in some of the panchayats, the facility is available. Narrating his experience, Ramanathan of the Nalukottai panchayat from Sivagangai district, says the benefits are many. He, as president, has been able to communicate with the district administration and others more effectively. A patron provided the hardware and the panchayat bore the cost of a modem and Net connection.

However, there is a note of dissent from one president. "There will be problems in maintenance. Officials of the audit wing may raise objections", says Ponmudi of Koduvilarpetti panchayat in Theni district.

But, all other panchayat presidents react strongly, disapproving of this opinion. "When we are able to manage many complex issues, handling computers is not a big issue", Ms. Jamruth Beevi counters.

Even many of the presidents are agreeable to the idea of the beneficiary-communities contributing a portion of the cost of computers.

Their discussion, in the presence of senior officials and faculty of the SIRD, also centres round many other issues such as devolution of more funds for the panchayats and the need for greater consultation with them in implementing various schemes.

In recent months, if one problem that has affected the panchayats, the presidents say, it is the power bill. G. Asokan of the Pachal panchayat, near Tirupattur in Vellore district, says in his village, the bill has more than doubled. "When it runs to lakhs of rupees, how can we pay? It is too much for us", he says, adding, "What the Government gives the panchayats by way of grants, it takes away in the form of electricity bills".

So, many panchayats have defaulted on their payment and consequently, regular water supply and streetlights have become the casualties.

R.S. Durairaj of the Melachinthalaicheri panchayat in Theni district suggests that either free power supply be extended for operating rural water supply systems or at least a concessional rate be levied.

Another issue that has bothered many is that though the presidents have been given powers to issue no-objection certificates for approval of layouts, they do not have access to official records for verification. "There were instances wherein some persons approached village administrative officers (VAOs) with pre-dated applications, when the VAOs had such powers, and got their layouts approved", says R. Rajakumar of the Chinnakandiyankuppam panchayat in Cuddalore district.

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