Lack of fund, GST hassle dry up Pani Panchayats

Aiming to ensure better irrigation through community participation, the state government had once handed over the responsibility of canal maintenance to farmer-led Pani Panchayats.

- POST NEWS NETWORK

These grassroots bodies, comprising local farmers, had been repairing main and branch canals in their respective areas to maintain a steady water supply to farmlands. In return, they benefited from government grants and assistance.

However, recent years have seen a breakdown in this system, with Pani Panchayats across the state alleging that they are no longer receiving maintenance grants as they did earlier.

The situation has worsened since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2021, After the tax regime was introduced, all Pani Panchayats were required to register for GST in order to continue receiving government funds.

Once registered, these panchayats were compelled to file monthly GST returns—many relying on lawyers, paying them an average of %500 per month or %6,000 annually for their services.

Now, members of several Pani Panchayats are raising concerns that if no work is being undertaken due to the lack of funds then why should they continue paying GST consultants out of own pocket.