MPTC, ZPTC System Under Review in Telangana

MPTC, ZPTC System | Hyderabad, Feb. 20: The Telangana government is reviewing the MPTC and ZPTC System in the state. Sources said the government believes the current model gives limited powers to elected members.

Therefore, it is exploring changes to the Panchayat Raj structure. The Cabinet is likely to discuss the issue on February 23.

At present, Telangana follows a three tier Panchayat Raj system. This system has been in place since 1995. Under this model, voters elect representatives at village, mandal, and district levels.

However, leaders have often questioned its effectiveness. For example, a Sarpanch has authority in the village.

Yet, the Sarpanch has no role in the Mandal Parishad. Likewise, an MPP has powers in the mandal. But the MPP has no authority in the Zilla Parishad. As a result, gaps exist between different tiers.

Government Studies Changes

The government is considering an indirect election model. Under this plan, Sarpanches would elect MPPs. Then, MPPs would elect the Zilla Parishad Chairperson.

If adopted, there may be no need for separate MPTC and ZPTC elections. Hence, the MPTC and ZPTC System could see major change.

Officials from the Panchayat Raj Department are studying models in other states. They will submit a report after reviewing legal and political aspects. Only after that will the government take a final decision.

Earlier, similar efforts did not succeed. In 1999, the then TDP government led by N Chandrababu Naidu tried to amend the law.

At that time, A Madhava Reddy served as Panchayat Raj Minister. Although the state prepared a proposal, it required approval from the Centre.

MPTC, ZPTC System

However, the amendment stalled in the Rajya Sabha due to lack of support. Later, other attempts also failed. Even during the tenure of former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, reforms did not move forward.

Meanwhile, the debate has intensified. MPTC and ZPTC members have voting rights in MLC elections. In contrast, Sarpanches do not have that right.

Therefore, Sarpanches have demanded voting rights. At the same time, MPTC and ZPTC members have sought more powers and better facilities.

Experts say changes to the MPTC, ZPTC System require constitutional amendment. So, the Union government must approve any major reform.

Political observers also warn that scrapping the system may affect thousands of local leaders. As discussions continue, the state government is weighing both legal limits and political impact before taking a call.

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