works delayed, farmers frustrated
Belagavi: Jagruta Mahila Okkoota, a women's collective, has voiced strong criticism against Gram Panchayat (GP) officials, accusing them of neglecting essential, small-value projects benefiting small and marginal farmers. These projects, some approved as far back as two years ago, remain stalled, sparking significant frustration.
Officials are accused of failing to initiate basic works, such as borewell recharge, despite clear directives and the passage of considerable time. Activist Shilpa Vante highlighted that despite the approval of works under the now-repealed MGNREGA scheme two years prior, "No work was started." This points to a systemic inaction or deliberate oversight by the governing bodies.
The Okkoota reports that many villages are experiencing this same pattern of neglect. Ms. Gopal, a representative of the collective, explicitly directed officials to expedite these pending tasks. The sentiments of those directly affected are stark; "But they are not helping us," Vante stated, underscoring a perceived disconnect between the needs of the farming community and the administrative response.
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Background to the Grievance
The complaints stem from a perceived lack of responsiveness from Gram Panchayat officials regarding agricultural support infrastructure. The delay in initiating projects, even those of modest financial scope like borewell recharge systems, suggests deeper issues within local governance and project implementation. The fact that these concerns are being raised by a collective, the Jagruta Mahila Okkoota, indicates a widespread and organized dissatisfaction among the affected farmers. The mention of the 'now repealed MGNREGA' implies a potential complexity in project transfer or a window of opportunity that has since closed without fruition for these specific initiatives.