Joint Cheque powers in Gram Panchayats

GOVERNMENT OF TELANGANA
ABSTRACT
PR&RD Dept- Gram Panchayat funds – Joint Cheque powers in Gram Panchayats –
Orders- Issued.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PANCHAYAT RAJ & RURAL DEVELOPMENT (PTS.II) DEPARTMENT
G.O.RT.No. 278. Dated:06.12.2014
<<>>
ORDER:
Government have released various grants to the Gram Panchayats for
takingup the developmental activities such as maintenance of CPWS Schemes,
Sanitation, Internal roads, Street lighting, Gram Panchayat buildings and other
developmental works etc., under 13 th Finance Commission, BRGF, RGPSA and other
schemes.

2.  It has been brought to the notice of the Government that most of the Gram
Panchayats are not properly utilizing the grants received from the State
Government and some of the Gram Panchayats are utilizing the funds without
following the norms which causes neglect of developmental activities in the Gram
Panchayats besides lack of transparency in public spending. There is need to
strengthening the flow of funds, the booking of authorised expenditure, furnishing
of utilization certificates and progress reports besides ensuring transparency and
accountability in all financial transactions of the Gram Panchayat.
3.  Gram Panchayats at their representatives are public servants as specified
under the act, and therefore all activities need to be done only in public interest on
behalf of the Panchayat and not in their individual capacities. The Government of
Telangana expect all the Gram Panchayats to collect their taxes for the services
being provided by the Gram Panchayat. Hence the transparency and accountability
in financial transactions is of utmost significance.
4.  Government after careful examination of the matter and keeping in view of
the scheme guidelines of Government of India, and in the larger interest of the
Gram Panchayat administration, have decided to continue the system of joint
signature in the interest of transparency and accountability. Accordingly, the
Government here by order that “all Scheme Funds as well as Gram Panchayat
Funds shall be jointly operated by the Sarpanch with the Joint Signature of
Panchayat Secretary” in Telangana State with immediate effect.
5.  The Commissioner, Panchayat Raj and Rural Employment, Telangana,
Hyderabad, all the District Collectors and District Panchayat Officers of Telangana
shall take necessary action accordingly.
6.  A copy of this order is available on the Internet and can be accessed at
www.goir.Telangana.gov.in
(BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF TELANGANA)
J.RAYMOND PETER
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT