Basaur to dump its pradhan

For the first time in the state, an elected representative may lose his seat because he failed to perform and win the confidence of his electorate.

For the first time in the state, an elected representative may lose his seat because he failed to perform and win the confidence of his electorate.

On November 22, using the 8220;right to recall8221;, the voters of Basaur village in Ghatampur block in Kanpur Dehat will cast their votes to decide whether their gram pradhan should continue or not. Under Section 95 1G of the Uttar Pradesh State Panchayati Raj Act, a gram pradhan can be removed using the right to recall, but this has never been implemented in the state. The pradhan in question is Rameshwar, who was elected to the Basaur Gram Sabha in August 2005.

Around two months ago, the villagers had submitted an affidavit to District Panchayati Raj Officer Kirti Shankar Awasthi about Rameshwar8217;s non-performance and demanded his removal. The affidavit was signed by 478 people, amounting to around 50 per cent of the electorate.

8220;This was not the first time that we had received complaints against gram pradhans. But this was perhaps the first time that we received an affidavit in which the villagers had stated they wanted to vote against the pradhan,8221; said Awasthi.

According to the Uttar Pradesh State Panchayati Raj Act, at least one-third of the total number of voters should be present for a meeting to complete the quorum and demand the right to recall. Next, the voting takes place where at least 50 per cent of the voters will have to be present. If two-thirds of the electorate votes against the pradhan, he stands removed. The right to recall can be used only when a pradhan has completed two-and-a-half years 8212; half of his term. The election will be conducted under the jurisdiction of the additional district officer of Panchayati Raj and a decision will be declared a week later.

In February, residents of Bhehta Bujurg village had submitted a similar affidavit against their pradhan. But voting could not be held because the quorum for the first meeting was not completed.

The department has received a few such complaints against pradhans. It has opted for a wait-and-watch policy to see the outcome of the Basaur elections, before taking any further step.