Mangalore; All Gram panchayats in Karnataka that receive Rs. 8 Lakhs now (from Rs.6 lakhs earlier), on an even basis at present for local development, would get more funds when the 13th Finance Commission report is implemented by the government.

This assurance was made by Jagdish Shettar, minister of rural development, while addressing a gathering at Mannebettu GP, in Kinnigoli on Thursday.

He said grants would be increased on the basis of higher population. Three scales will be introduced over present Rs. 8 Lakhs, of Rs. 9 Lakhs, Rs. 12 Lakhs, and Rs 15 Lakhs to GPs on a 3 tier basis of population, ranging from 3,000 and 5,000 to 15,000, to fit the three levels respectively.

A.G. Kodgi’s report was a model report, the minister lauded. Based on its recommendations, TPs and ZPs receiving Rs. 1 Crore annual grants, will get Rs. 2 crores each hereafter, on a hiked rate.

The fund allocation for TPs and ZPs will be a part of next Budget. He stressed on maintaining transparency while functioning as GP, TP or ZP.

GPs should organise Gram Sabhas (meet) and video-record them for monitoring purposes.  Selection of beneficiaries should be clear and clean, Shettar emphasized.

Speaking about National Rural Employment Generation scheme in Karnataka, the minister stated that Rs. 2000 crores was received as Central grants to implement the scheme, in 2011 and Rs. 1000 crore was utilized and the balance would be s pent in next 3 months of 2012.

Panchayat tax collections varied from district to district, Shettar observed. If the collection rate is 90% in Dakshina Kannada district, it was less than 30% in North Karnataka areas! As instructed by 13th Finance