RTI reveals over 250 Zila Panchayat members have not declared their assets
15 Oct, 2013The reply to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that a large number of Zilla Panchayat members in Bangalore have not disclosed their asset and liabilities details for the year 2012-13.
The reply to the application states that there are a total of 285 zilla panchayat members in the nine districts coming under the Bangalore division. Out of these, only 30 members have filed their statements on assets and liabilities for the year 2012-13.
Section 175 A of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 and the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (taluk panchayat and Zilla panchayat declaration of assets by the elected members) rules 2010 stipulate that all elected members of taluk and zilla panchayats have to declare assets held by them and their family members within three months of assuming office. Also, they have to declare their assets within one month of every calendar year during their term of office failing which they can be disqualification.
In the mean time, the applicant has approached the Karnataka High Court contending that the authorities have not taken action regarding the matter.