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Tiruchy: Stripped of our cheque-issuing powers, cry panchayat heads

The collector Shri Sivarasu told them that the online payment system was introduced by the Union Government and hence it cannot be changed.

Tiruchy: In a serious development, the members of the federation of Tiruchy district village panchayat presidents have submitted a memorandum to District Collector S. Sivarasu pointing out that the government has snatched away their cheque-issuing powers and introduced the online payment system affecting the day-to-day administration of village panchayats.

They said there was a big delay in providing and improving the basic amenities in their respective areas following the concerned contractors-cum-workers refusing to undertake such works unless they are paid directly.

They recalled that until 2016 both the presidents and the vice-presidents of the village panchayats directly made such payments and because of this there was no delay in the developmental works, and appealed to the government to restore the cheque-signing powers (affixing signature in cheques) immediately.

The collector Shri Sivarasu told them that the online payment system was introduced by the Union Government and hence it cannot be changed. However, efforts would be made before tomorrow evening for operating the bank accounts by the village panchayat presidents online. He also promised that immediate steps will be taken on basic amenities and other genuine grievances.

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