Bhadrak, July 3, 2025: Over 350 ward members and sarpanches from 25 panchayats in Bhadrak district’s Bonth Block have voiced strong discontent over the non-payment of their monthly incentive allowances and meeting honorariums for the past one and a half years. The delay, attributed to the district administration’s alleged negligence, has sparked widespread frustration among these elected representatives.
While the state government has provisions for providing monthly incentives and meeting allowances to panchayat representatives, the funds reportedly remain undisbursed due to administrative lapses at the district level. Only samiti members of these panchayats have been receiving their incentives through the block administration, leaving sarpanches and ward members neglected. This disparity has raised questions about the district administration’s failure to implement the state’s directives effectively.
Sarpanches and ward members from panchayats such as Tilo, Kadabarang, Bonth, and Basantia have repeatedly raised the issue with block authorities, but their concerns remain unaddressed. Tilo Sarpanch Sangram Keshari Jena stated, “Despite our repeated requests, the block administration claims that bills for our incentives and honorariums have been sent. However, we have not received these payments, and no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the issue.” The lack of action has fueled resentment among the representatives, who are responsible for addressing rural issues and serving their communities.
Expressing their frustration, the representatives have warned that if their dues are not cleared immediately, the Panchayat Representatives’ Association will stage protests in front of the block office. The ongoing delay underscores the urgent need for the district and block administrations to address this grievance and ensure timely disbursal of funds to support grassroots governance.
(Reported by Chandini Mohanty)
