Kolkata: The prolonged absence of several panchayat pradhans has emerged as a major hurdle to the implementation of the VB-G RAM G) programme in Bengal, with officials saying the leadership vacuum is affecting project approvals, wage payments and execution of development works in several areas. Union panchayat secretary Vivek Bhardwaj is likely to come to Bengal later this month to assess the situation.VB-G RAM G, which came into effect on July 1, promises 125 days of guaranteed employment per year. With only eight months left in the financial year, the state has set a target of executing rural development works of around Rs 15,000 crore under the programme. However, the success of it hinges on the functioning of gram panchayats, with elected pradhans playing a pivotal role in approving projects by convening gram sabha meetings.Bengal has over 3,300 gram panchayats, and Trinamool controls most of them. Allegedly, as many as 2,000 panchayat pradhans have stopped attending office since the announcement of the assembly election results.“Under the West Bengal Panchayat Act, the powers of a serving pradhan, including the authority to sign official documents, do not automatically pass to another elected representative merely because the pradhan is absent from office. Consequently, in many panchayats where pradhans have stopped attending office, gram sabhas cannot be convened to pass resolutions or approve new projects, bringing the implementation of VB-G RAM G to a virtual standstill,” a senior govt official said.Commenting on this recently, CM Suvendu Adhikari had said, “80% gram panchayat pradhans are absconding and not coming to their offices. The govt should work 24×7. Services cannot remain pending for any politician or individual.”Under the VB-GRAM G guidelines, workers must receive their wages within 15 days of completing work. Any delay beyond the stipulated period attracts delay compensation, potentially exposing the state govt to a substantial financial burden if payments remain blocked due to the absence of authorised signatories.Senior officials said the state panchayat and rural development department is now trying to persuade the absentee pradhans to return to office and resume their statutory responsibilities or to facilitate their resignation, enabling deputy pradhans to take temporary charge. In such cases, the election of a new pradhan must be completed within one month in accordance with the law.
