Local bodies to depend on fundraising, donations

Local Self-Government dept. circular seeks measures to cut down on extra expenses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM The Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) has asked local bodies to take adequate measures to cut down on extra expenses, especially in bigger projects. It has suggested alternatives including local-level fundraising and donations rather than complete dependency on Plan funds.

As per a circular issued to local bodies earlier this week, it is not wrong on the part of local bodies to ensure public participation and collect donations for projects that require large funding. People's participation in local planning is one of the basic principles of the People's Plan movement. Planning and implementation of development projects using local-level fundraising and without depending entirely on Plan funds has to be encouraged, says the circular.

However, the circular says transparency has to be maintained in the spendings, with complete records of all expenses, which have to be made available for audits when required. The circular comes at a time when local bodies are still recovering from the financial strains caused by the extra responsibilities thrust upon them following unprecedented floods and the COVID-19 outbreak.