Newly Elected Tikkar Kalan Panchayat Pradhan Opens Dedicated Development Fund, Contributes Rs. 10 Lakh from Personal Savings.
Suresh Sharma fulfils election promise by opening a joint bank account for public welfare and development works; pledges an additional Rs. 15,000 every month, including his honorarium.
Shimla:
Setting what many residents are calling a remarkable example of public accountability and commitment, the newly elected Pradhan of the newly constituted Tikkar Kalan Gram Panchayat under Balh Block of Mandi district, Suresh Sharma, has fulfilled a key election promise by opening a dedicated joint bank account exclusively for public welfare and development works. As an initial personal contribution, Sharma has deposited Rs. 10 lakh into the account at the Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank, Behna.
Speaking about the initiative, Sharma said that Tikkar Kalan is a newly formed panchayat and will take time to become fully established administratively. However, he emphasized that many public welfare works require immediate attention and cannot wait for procedural delays.
“Several essential works in the village need to be executed on priority for the benefit of the people. To ensure that such projects are not delayed due to a lack of immediate funds, I have deposited Rs. 10 lakh from my personal savings into this account. The amount will be utilized exclusively for welfare and development works as and when required,” he said.
Monthly Contribution Beyond Initial Deposit
Sharma further announced that he will continue contributing Rs. 15,000 every month to the same account. This amount includes his monthly honorarium as Panchayat Pradhan of Rs. 7,500, along with an additional contribution from his personal income.
According to him, this will amount to approximately Rs. 2 lakh every year, and around Rs. 10 lakh over the five-year tenure. Combined with the initial deposit of Rs. 10 lakh, Sharma’s total personal contribution towards the development of Tikkar Kalan Panchayat is expected to reach nearly Rs. 20 lakh during his term.
Transparent Financial Management
Highlighting the importance of transparency, Sharma said that every financial transaction from the account would be properly documented. Funds will only be withdrawn through cheques issued directly in the name of the beneficiary concerned.
He also informed that the account will be periodically audited by the Panchayat’s audit committee. The auditors will record their observations and reports in a dedicated register maintained specifically for this account to ensure complete transparency and accountability.
First Development Work Already Underway
The Pradhan revealed that the first project funded through the account has already commenced. Clearing of thorny bushes, wild vegetation and overgrown grass along major village pathways across all wards of Tikkar Kalan Panchayat has been initiated.
He noted that these pathways are frequently used by schoolchildren and local residents, but the unchecked vegetation had made commuting difficult and posed safety concerns, including the risk of snake bites.
Considering the urgency of the situation, Sharma said that the labour costs for the ongoing cleaning work will also be met from the newly established development fund.
Commitment to Donate Land for Panchayat Infrastructure
Recalling another promise made during the Panchayat elections, Sharma said he had pledged to help secure land for the construction of a Panchayat Ghar.
He explained that efforts are currently underway to identify suitable government land for the purpose. However, if government land is not available, he remains committed to donating five to seven biswa of his private land, as promised during the election campaign.
Sharma added that since the government requires at least 10 biswa of land for constructing a Panchayat Ghar, alternative options are also being explored. Nevertheless, he reiterated his willingness to donate the promised portion of land.
He further stated that if the Panchayat decides to establish a Primary Health Centre (PHC) or an Ayurvedic Dispensary on the donated land instead of a Panchayat office, he would be ready to transfer the land to the Health Department for the project.
A Rare Example of Fulfilling Election Promises
Election campaigns often witness numerous promises that fail to materialize after the polls. However, by taking concrete steps immediately after assuming office, Suresh Sharma has demonstrated his commitment to honouring his electoral commitments.
Residents of Tikkar Kalan and neighbouring areas have appreciated the initiative, describing it as an inspiring example of responsible leadership, transparency and dedication to grassroots development. Many believe that Sharma’s decision to invest his own resources in public welfare sets a benchmark for elected representatives and strengthens public confidence in local self-governance.
