Kizhakkkambalam and Aikkaranad Panchayats, ruled by nonprofit organizations Twenty20, announced Rs 25 million and Rs 12 crore respectively at the end of fiscal year 2024-25.
The amount of funds is the accumulated surplus in Kizhakkambalam over the past 10 years and in Aikkaranad over the past four years. Twenty20 president Sabu M. Jacob said in a press conference on Monday that a portion of the total surplus funds will be redistributed to individuals.
A portion of the surplus funds will be used to pay 25% of the electricity and cooking gas prices for both Panchayats, a press release released after the press conference said. It added that the surplus funds used by Panchayats are part of Panchayats’ own income.
The plan is to remit electricity costs and liquefied petroleum gas costs directly to consumers’ accounts. Jacob said that even with all development activities and welfare schemes completed, Kizhakkambalam Panchayat had the remaining funds, adding that this was the first time in Panchayats there was too much surplus funds.
Under the Panchayat Act, Panchayat must work to eradicate poverty and improve people’s living standards. The press release said it was a constitutional obligation of Panchayats.
Although only 25% of the electricity and LPG costs can be met initially from the surplus funds, the amount of support will gradually rise to 50%. All rationing card holders except the White Human Category will benefit from the Support Program, which translates into 75% of households in Panchayats that benefit from the program.
Cancer patients with both Panchayats receive Rs 1,000 per month. Mosquito bats will be provided to all households to prevent infectious diseases and biological bonds will be distributed to each house for 100% waste management.
Fruit and vegetable seedlings and egg hens will also be provided to families as needed. Students will be provided with study schedules and seniors will receive COTS.
The release said the plans are expected to cost Rs 71 crore under the budget.
Twenty20 claims that there is surplus funds as corruption has been eliminated and plans that are beneficial to people are implemented with a long-term vision. Roads and bridges are of high standards, so they do not require annual maintenance and repairs. In addition, unnecessary expenditures are avoided.
Of the 19-member Kizhakkambalam Panchayat, 18 members are members of Twenty20, while the lonely MP Asma Aliyar quoted the funding report in Panchayat’s bank account. But, she said, the money was applied to implementing welfare projects and not retained in the bank. She added that she did not know how the funds were used. At Aikkaranad Panchayat, Twenty20 forms the entire Panchayat Committee 14 committees.
The Twenty20 launch also claims that the two Panchayats can generate an average surplus of Rs 250 crore per year on average.
Kizhakkambalam Panchayat President Mini Ratheesh and Aikkaranad Panchayat President Deena Deepak attended the press conference.
publishing – April 1, 2025 01:24 AM IST
