more-inA gram sabha called to collect opinion of Utnoor residents on the proposal to upgrade Utnoor gram panchayat to municipality was disrupted with those for and those against almost coming to blows after heated arguments. The issue of upgrading Utnoor gram panchayat has become contentious with Adivasi sarpanches of Utnoor and surrounding villages opposing it vehemently and supporters of a ruling party leader supporting it. Utnoor sarpanch Bontha Asha Reddy, an Adivasi, said there are 7,000 wage seekers in and around Utnoor who would to lose if Utnoor becomes a Municipality. Further, the poor will have to pay enhanced taxes if the major gram panchayat becomes a municipality, he added. Local ZPTC Waghmare Jagjivan was against upgradation of the gram panchayat while upa sarpanch Konderi Rajeshwar wanted upgradation.

Source: The Hindu February 06, 2018 18:33 UTC