The department had earlier declared the post a full-time one.
As per the latest decision, a pradhan will be entitled to Rs 2,500 per month, including a fixed monthly travelling allowance of Rs 500. Earlier, they were paid Rs 1,150 per month.
Officials said the increment was long overdue and became relevant after the panchayat pradhan became a full-time functionary.
“As for the travelling allowance, the pradhans were receiving a fixed amount, including both honorarium and travel expenses,” said M N Roy, Principal Secretary of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department.
Insiders claimed that the travelling allowance was fixed in order to check malpractices at the grassroots level. “It will help reduce unnecessary hassles. The step will also help predict expenses of the state government,” said an official of the department.
As per the new notification, the fixed travelling allowance will cover all the travelling expenses of the panchayat pradhan in the villages, including their visit to offices of the Block Development Officer and the panchayat samitis.
The notification also allows for an increased honorarium of Rs 1,500 per month to the deputy pradhan. He is also entitled to draw an amount of Rs 200 per month.
“We have been fighting for the hike for a long time. It was required for the pradhans to discharge their duties. Previously, they were not given any travelling allowance,” said Pulin Behari Baskey, the Zilla Sabhadhipati of West Midnapore district.