बुक्सर: The indefinite dharna by zila parishad members entered its fourth day on Saturday, with protesters accusing deputy development commissioner (DDC) Niharika Chhavi of functioning arbitrarily and not releasing Rs80 crore earmarked for development works.The protest is being led by zila parishad member Raju Yadav and coordinated by Kedar Yadav. Former Dumraon MLA Ajit Kumar Singh visited the protest site and extended his support, alleging that the agitation reflects the ground reality of the panchayati raj system in Bihar.Addressing the gathering, Singh said although the zila parishad is the apex district-level body under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and the Bihar Panchayati Raj Act, 2006, its authority has weakened in practice. He alleged that the body has been reduced to a “rubber stamp,” with proposals for roads, drainage, community halls, and irrigation projects approved but not implemented for months.He further claimed that administrative delays, often attributed to pending technical approvals or lack of funds, have stalled development works. Singh also alleged that excessive powers vested in the DDC undermine elected representatives and affect democratic functioning.Protesters alleged that nearly Rs80 crore allocated to the zila parishad has not been utilized as it has not been released due to administrative hurdles. They also raised concerns over conditions of hospitals, declining education standards, waterlogging, irrigation issues, alleged corruption in welfare schemes, and irregularities in the distribution of housing benefits, pensions, and rations. Farmers’ compensation for crop losses was also flagged as a major concern.Responding to the allegations, the DDC said the issue relates to payment processes. She said some cases have been verified and payments released, while others are under investigation and will be processed as per rules. She added that she assumed charge only two months ago and has been away from the district for the past 15 days due to training.
