Over 500 locals protest against the Tamil Nadu government's decision to merge nine panchayats with the Udumalai Municipality, citing concerns over livelihood and increased taxes.
Coimbatore: A significant protest erupted in front of the Udumalai Municipality office in Tiruppur district against the Tamil Nadu government's order to merge nine panchayats, including Kanakkampalayam, Periyakottai, Podipatti, Kuruncheri, Chinnaveeranpatti, Kannamanayakkanur, Rakalpavi, Ganapathipalayam, and Poolankinar, with the Udumalai Municipality. The merger is perceived as detrimental to the interests of local residents, particularly affecting those dependent on 100-day work schemes.
Protestors, exceeding 500 in number, highlighted their apprehensions, stating that the merger would lead to a decrease in employment opportunities under the 100-day work scheme and an increase in taxes such as water tax, property tax, and other commercial taxes. They expressed concerns that house and land prices would soar, adversely impacting livelihoods in the merged panchayats. They also feared that funding for infrastructure projects like metal roads, cement works, check dam constructions, and pond desilting would be affected.
The demonstrators, including representatives from various political parties like the Indian United Communist Party, PMK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal, and Hindu Samrajyam, urged the government to reconsider the decision. They warned of continued protests if the government fails to review the merger.
Moorthy, a representative from Kanakkampalayam Panchayat, emphasized the potential hardships that the merger would impose on the local villagers, including increased tax burdens and reduced governmental support for vital local projects.
Protestors, exceeding 500 in number, highlighted their apprehensions, stating that the merger would lead to a decrease in employment opportunities under the 100-day work scheme and an increase in taxes such as water tax, property tax, and other commercial taxes. They expressed concerns that house and land prices would soar, adversely impacting livelihoods in the merged panchayats. They also feared that funding for infrastructure projects like metal roads, cement works, check dam constructions, and pond desilting would be affected.
The demonstrators, including representatives from various political parties like the Indian United Communist Party, PMK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal, and Hindu Samrajyam, urged the government to reconsider the decision. They warned of continued protests if the government fails to review the merger.
Moorthy, a representative from Kanakkampalayam Panchayat, emphasized the potential hardships that the merger would impose on the local villagers, including increased tax burdens and reduced governmental support for vital local projects.