MAPUSA
The recent decision by the government to increase the honorarium for sarpanchas and panchayat members in the 2025-26 budget has been met with mixed reactions.
While the hike was intended to provide financial relief to local governance representatives, many sarpanchas and panchayat members have expressed disappointment, arguing that the raise is inadequate given their responsibilities and the financial burden they often bear.
In the latest budget, the honorarium for sarpanchas has been increased by Rs 2,000, bringing it up to Rs 8,000, while panchayat members will now receive Rs 6,000 after an increment of Rs 1,000. The government sees this as a step towards recognising the efforts of grassroots leaders in local governance.
However, several panchayat representatives believe that this raise does not match the demands of their roles and the expectations of the people they serve.
Revora Sarpanch Kanchan Vasudev Gaonkar expressed disappointment, stating that the revised honorarium is far from adequate. "If the honorarium was increased to Rs 15,000 for sarpanchas and Rs 12,500 for panchayat members, then it would be meaningful. We often have to spend from our own pockets to help people who approach us for assistance," she said, emphasising the financial strain on local leaders.
Assonora Sarpanch Meghashyam Chodankar echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that panchayat members play a significant role on the ground and deserve a more substantial raise. "With the new increment, a sarpanch gets Rs 8,000, and a panchayat member gets Rs 6,000. It should have been at least Rs 10,000 and Rs 8,000, respectively," he opined, suggesting that a higher honorarium would enable members to assist people more effectively.
Not all sarpanchas, however, share this view. Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar believes that the honorarium is sufficient and argues that increasing it further might reduce the motivation to work. "If the salary is increased too much, members may not feel the need to be as active. Besides, for any official travel, we can utilise funds from the panchayat," he stated.
He also highlighted the financial stability of coastal panchayats like Anjuna, suggesting that their revenue sources differentiate them from smaller, financially weaker panchayats.
Chimulkar further noted the negative perception surrounding coastal panchayats due to their higher income levels. "There is a mindset that coastal panchayats are wealthier, which is not always the case," he said.
Former Camurlim Sarpanch Sharad Gad offered a broader perspective, arguing that instead of focusing solely on raising honorariums, the government should work towards eliminating corruption in panchayats. "The real issue is corruption in village panchayats. Many people hesitate to enter panchayat offices due to fear of being asked for bribes. Fixed rates for NOCs and other permissions are a harsh reality in many places," he alleged.
Gad emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in local governance. "The government should ensure that common citizens can access services without paying bribes. A time-bound service mechanism should be implemented, and officials failing to deliver should face strict action," he added.
