Haryana Panchayats Demand Higher Honorarium and Benefits

Panchayat members in Jind district, Haryana, are demanding a significant increase in their honorarium, along with additional benefits like health insurance. The demand comes from the Haryana Panchayats Association, who held a meeting on Monday to discuss concerns and strengthen their organization. The association claims that panchayat members are often overlooked by the government and sarpanches (village heads), and their voices are not heard. They are advocating for a raise in honorarium from ₹1600 to ₹4500, the implementation of health insurance, pension after completing their term, and the right to use official seals and letterheads. The association also seeks travel allowances and the formation of a five-member committee to ensure transparency in rural development projects. They have warned that they will actively oppose the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) if their demands are not addressed in the upcoming elections.