No fund since Feb, panchayats unable to make ends meet

Minister says issues in operation, server problems reasons for delay in release of funds

GRASSROOTS level administration in the state has taken a hit as the department of rural administration has not released funds due to panchayats since February, allegedly due to technical issues, making it difficult for the local bodies to meet day-to-day expenditure.

P. Ponniah, director of the rural development and panchayat raj, said, "Due to some technical issues, funds could not be sent to around 1917 panchayats. Of this, 50% of panchayats are in Coimbatore. We are working to sort it out. The fund would be released soon."

According to sources, the government devolved financial autonomy to the village panchayats by authorizing them to undertake financial transactions through elected representatives.