RAJKOT, June 14: Despite the creation of Porbandar district from Junagadh more than one-and-a-half-years ago, the formal separation of the district panchayat came into effect today. The ruling BJP had two-thirds majority in the combined Junagadh Panchayat and was dominated by the Bharat Gajapara group.The total strength of the combined Junagadh District Panchayat was 45, out of which, eight seats of Porbander, Ranavav, Kutiyana and Madhavpur talukas will now go to Porbander district. With this arrangement coming into effect, the strength of the Junagadh District Panchayat should have been reduced to 37, but the government has decided to add four seats of Kodinar taluka namely Alidar, Arnej, Vadnagar and Velan to Junagadh district taking the total number of seats to 41. The strength of Porbander District Panchayat should be eight but since one member, Bhagvanji Kargathiya from Madhavpur, has resigned following his election to the Legislative Assembly, the figure stands at seven.
According to the Panchayat Act, the minimum strength of the district Panchayat should be 17. To comply with this rule, 10 more members should be added either by nomination from a competent authority or by increasing the constituencies. Since district panchayat elections are due next year, the government has decided to continue with the existing strength and the next panchayat will be formed according to the provisions of the Panchayat Act.
The panchayat members are Karsan Odedara, Vejabhai Patel, Raniben Keshwala, Hira Lakha Rabari, Raniben Odedra, and Kanu Sorathiya.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.