According to the association, the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds meant for these panchayats have not been released, directly impacting infrastructure projects and welfare schemes. “Without DMF funds, even basic development work cannot be undertaken. Villages are suffering due to administrative inaction,” a senior office-bearer said.

The sarpanches said that at present, panchayat offices are limited to issuing birth and death certificates, while most development-linked activities have come to a standstill. They alleged that the lack of funds has crippled the functioning of local self-governments, preventing them from addressing basic civic needs such as roads, drinking water and sanitation.

The association further claimed that employment generation under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has also been severely affected. With projects not being approved or initiated, rural residents are being deprived of wage employment, forcing many to migrate in search of work.

In addition to DMF-related issues, the sarpanches said delays in the release of funds under the 15th Finance Commission have worsened the financial condition of gram panchayats. “Panchayats are unable to clear routine expenses, let alone undertake new works,” another representative said.

The sarpanch body also expressed strong displeasure over what it described as the administration’s indifferent attitude. Members alleged that the district collector is often unavailable when elected representatives seek meetings, and that some sarpanches have faced alleged misbehaviour during official interactions. They said repeated attempts to raise concerns through formal channels have failed to yield results.

Warning of escalation, the association demanded immediate release of pending funds and restoration of stalled schemes. “If our demands are not addressed soon, we will be forced to launch a protest. This will include symbolic actions such as burning the effigy of the Chief Minister,” the association said.

District officials were not immediately available for comment. However, sources in the administration said the issues raised by the sarpanches would be examined in accordance with rules and fund allocation procedures.

The situation has brought renewed focus on fund flow and coordination between district administrations and local self-governments, at a time when rural development remains a key policy priority in the state.