Yavatmal Collector may disqualify 2473 Gram Panchayat members

“Earlier,I have issued notices to all the local self government bodies to vigorise the defecation drive launched by the Zilla Parishad in the district and advised them to promote the ‘Sampurna Swacchata Mohim’ (total cleanliness drive). The members of the municipal councils,zilla parishad and the panchayat samitis have constructed latrines in their own houses and a few Gram Panchayat members have also complied with the instructions,” Ram said,adding that over 2473 members of 16 tehsils have failed to construct toilets and resort to open air defecation,which is banned.

The members were given an ultimatum to construct the latrines within 90 days commencing from January 10 to April 10 and yet 2473 members paid no heed to the instructions and continue to flout the order,said Capacity Building expert Vandana Dawale of the ‘Sampurna Swatchata Abhiyan.

The CEO has forwarded a proposal for their disqualification to the District Collector who is empowered to take legal action against the erring members.

When contacted,the district collector Shravan Hardikar has confirmed the receipt of such a proposal from the Zilla Parishad and said that after due verification of the individual case,disqualification procedure will be taken as per the provisions of the law in force.