Gram Panchayat Courts
From
time immemorial, the gram panchayat has been the basic institution of democracy
in India. Under the Punjab Gram Panchayat Act, 1952, certain civil, criminal
and revenue powers are vested in the panchayats. Under the Act. Petty cases of various
categories are disposed of by the Panchayats. Besides reducing the unnecessary
burden on courts, it has also raised the status and prestige of the gram
panchayat to grant bail to an individual against a surety not exceeding Rs 500.
On
the criminal side, a gram panchayat tries offence specified in Schedule 1-A and
I-B of the Punjab Gram Panchayat Act, 1952. The panchayats are also competent
to take cognizance suo moto of cases falling under sections 160, 228, 264, 277,
289, 290 294 and 510 of the Indian Penal Code and under Act for the time being
in force.
On
the civil and revenue side, the panchayats are competent to try suits for
recovery of movable property or the value of such property suits for money or
goods due on contracts or price thereof; suits for compensation for wrongfully
taking or injuring movable property; and suits mentioned in clauses (j), (k),
(I) and (n) of sub-section (3) of section 77 of the Punjab Tenancy Act, 1887,
(or any other Act for the time being in force), While trying such suits, the
panchayat is deemed to be a civil or criminal or revenue courts as the case may
be.
The
following statement shows the judicial work done by the panchayats in the
district during 1973-74 to 1977-78:
Revenue
cases
|
1973-74 |
1974-75 |
1975-76 |
1976-77 |
1977-78 |
|
1 Cases pending at the beginning of the year |
187 |
156 |
106 |
38 |
28 |
|
2 cases instituted |
625 |
392 |
107 |
71 |
101 |
|
3 Cases received by transfer |
--- |
1 |
--- |
--- |
-- |
|
4 Cases transferred from Panchayats and returned for presentation to courts and Panchayats |
--- |
1 |
--- |
--- |
--- |
|
5 Cases decided |
656 |
442 |
175 |
81 |
103 |
|
6 (a) cases dismissed |
37 |
19 |
24 |
15 |
96 |
|
(b) Cases compounded |
521 |
401 |
135 |
63 |
7 |
|
(c) cases decreed |
98 |
22 |
16 |
3 |
-- |
|
7 cases pending at the end of the year |
156 |
106 |
38 |
28 |
26 |
|
CRIMINAL CASES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Cases pending at the beginning of the year |
25 |
25 |
18 |
4 |
2 |
|
2 Cases instituted |
109 |
36 |
22 |
21 |
27 |
|
3 Cases received by transfer |
2 |
- |
3 |
3 |
1 |
|
4 cases transferred from the Panchayats for presentation to the courts and panchayats |
3 |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
|
5 cases decided |
108 |
43 |
39 |
25 |
30 |
|
6 (a) Cases dismissed |
15 |
17 |
3 |
9 |
4 |
|
(b) Cases compounded |
72 |
20 |
34 |
14 |
26 |
|
(c) Cases convicted |
21 |
6 |
2 |
3 |
-- |
|
7 Cases pending at the end of the year |
25 |
18 |
4 |
2 |
--- |
(Source: Director, Rural Development and
Panchayats, Punjab, Chandigarh)
The
main object of the Br Associations is to promote the interest of their members
and to maintain a high standard or professional conduct. These associates also
give lot of help to courts in administering justice effectively. Bar
associations also endeavour to encourage and promote the study of law and to
inculcate the sense of respect for law and order among the general people.
There are 5 Bar Associations in the district,
one each at Sangrur, Malerkotla, Barnala, Dhuri and Sunam. The District Bar
Association, Sangrur, was formed in July 1933. It had 93 members as on 31
March, 1978. The Bar Associations Malerkotla was formed on 15 August 1949 and
it had 34 members as on 31 March, 1978. The Bar Association, Dhuri was formed
in 1925 and it had 15 members as on 31 March 1978. The Bar Association, Dhuri
was formed in 1925 and it had 15 members as on 31 March 1978. The Bar
Association Sunam, was formed about forty years ago and its membership as on 31
march 1978 was 42. The Bar Association, Barnala, has no authentic record as to
indicate the exact date of its formation. However, it is said to have been
formed in 1908-1909 and its strength on 31 March 1978 was 78.
CHAPTER XIII
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The
departments, which have not been mentioned elsewhere in the gazetteer, have
been dealt in this chapter in regard to the scope of their activities,
jurisdiction and the strength of the staff (as on 31 March 1978) posted in the
district. Their account will also explain the general administration set-up in
the Sangrur District.
The
activities of Public Works Department may be divided mainly into construction
and maintenance of buildings and roads, public health, drainage, irrigation,
etc. The jurisdiction of the circles/divisions of the department is not
necessarily confined to one district; it may extend to more than one district.
The circles/divisions, which have jurisdiction over the Sangrur District, are
briefly mentioned below:
(i) Superintending Engineer,
construction Circle, P.W.D., B & R, Sangrur
Opened
on 1 April 1973, this office has three divisions under it: Provincial Division,
P. W. D., B & R, Sangrur; Construction Division, P. W. D. B & R
Barnala; and Construction Division P. W. D. B & R, Malerkotla.
The
Superintending engineer is under the administrative control of the Chief
Engineer, P. W. D., B & R, (South) Patiala. He is assisted by 1
Superintendent, 1 Circle Head Draftsman, 2 Assistant Draftsmen, 1 Head
Assistant, 6 Assistants, besides other ministerial/technical Class III and
miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of this circle are to exercise control over the construction and
maintenance of Government buildings and roads in the area under its
jurisdiction. The three divisional offices under this circle are briefly
described as under:
Executive
Engineer, Provincial, Division, P. W. D., B & R, Sangrur. – This division was opened on 1
October 1953. The Executive Engineer is assisted by 1 Head Draftsman, 2
Assistant Draftsmen, 1 Head Clerk, 1 Accountant, 4 Assistants, besides other
ministerial/technical Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
This
division has 5 subdivisions under it: Construction Subdivision No. II, Sangrur;
Construction Subdivision, Sunam, Sunam; Construction Subdivision, Moonak;
Provincial Subdivision No. II, Sangrur; and Quarry Subdivision, Sunam. Each of
these subdivisions is under the charge of a Sub divisional Engineer who in 4
subdivisions is assisted by 4 Sectional Officers, except in the case of Sub divisional
Engineer, Subdivision No. II, Sangrur, who is assisted by 5 Sectional Officers,
besides other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
Executive
Engineer, Construction Division, P. W. D. B & R, Barnala. – This division was opened on 1 May
1973. The Executive Engineer is assisted by 1 Head Draftsman, 2 Assistant
Draftsmen, 1 Head Clerk, 1 Accountant, 2 Assistants besides other
ministerial/technical Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
This
division has 3 subdivisions under it: Construction Subdivision No. II, Barnala;
Construction Subdivision No. III, Barnala; and Construction Subdivision,
Raikot, at Barnala. Each of these Subdivisions is under the charge of a
Subdivisional Engineer who is assisted by 4 Sectional Officers, besides other
ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
Executive
Engineer Construction Division, P. W. D. B & R, Malerkotla. – This division was opened on 1
February 1974. The Executive Engineer is assisted by 1 Head Draftsman, 2
Assistant Draftsmen, 1 Head Clerk, 1 Accountant, 2 Assistants, besides other
ministerial/technical Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
This
division has 4 subdivisions under it: Construction Subdivision No. 1,
Malerkotla; Construction Subdivision No. II, Malerkotla, Construction
Subdivision No. III, Malerkotla; and Construction Subdivision, Dhuri. Each of
these subdivisions is under the charge of a Subdivisional Engineer, who is
assisted by 4 Sectional Officers, besides other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous
Class IV staff.
(ii) Mechanical Subdivision, P. W.
D. B & R, Sangrur
Opened
on 1 January 1973, this subdivision functions under the control of Executive
Engineer, Mechanical Division, P. W. D.
B & R, Patiala. The Sub Divisional Engineer (M), Sangrur, is the
incharge of this subdivision. He assisted by 4 Sectional Officers (M), 1
Chargeman, 1 Sub Divisional Clerk, besides other ministerial Class III and
miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of this subdivision are maintenance of machinery of the
Construction Circle, P. W. D. B & R, Sangrur.
(iii) Executive Engineer, Public Health
Division, Sangrur
Opened
on 21 December 1976, this division is headed by an Executive Engineer who
functions under the control of the Superintending Engineer, Public Health
Circle, Bathinda. The Executive Engineer is assisted by 1 Head Draftsman, 2
Assistant Draftsmen, 1 Head Clerk, 1 Divisional Accountant, 3 Senior Accounts
Clerks, besides other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
This
division has 4 subdivisions under it: Drainage Subdivision, Sangrur; Drainage
Construction Subdivision No. II, Barnala; Drainage Construction Subdivision No.
III, Sangrur; and Drainage Subdivision, Sunam. Each of these subdivisions is
under the charge of a Subdivisional Engineer. The Subdivisional Engineers of
Drainage Subdivision No. II, Barnala, and Drainage Subdivision No. III,
Sangrur, are assisted by 5 Sectional Officers each, and Drainage Subdivisional
Engineers, Sangrur and Sunam, are assisted by 4 and 3 Sectional Officers,
respectively. Besides, other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV
staff also assist the Subdivisional Engineers.
The
main functions of this division are to look after drainage and flood control
work in the Sangrur District.
(iv)
Executive Engineer, P. W. D. Drainage Construction Division, Sangrur
Opened
on 15 December 1969, this division is headed by an Executive Engineer who
functions under the control of the Superintending Engineer, P. W. D., Drainage
Circle, Patiala. The Executive engineer is assisted by 1 Head Draftsman, 2
Draftsman, 1 Head Clerk, 1 Accountant, besides other ministerial Class III and
miscellaneous Class IV staff.
This
division has 4 subdivisions under it: Drainage Subdivision, Sangrur; Drainage
Construction Subdivision No. II, Barnala; Drainage Construction Subdivision No.
III, Sangrur; and Drainage Subdivision, Sunam. Each of these subdivision is
under the charge of a Subdivisional Engineer. The Subdivisional Engineer of
Drainage Subdivision No. II, Barnala, and Drainage Subdivision No. III,
Sangrur, are assisted by 5 Sectional Officers each, and Drainage Subdivisional
Engineers, Sangrur And Sunam, are assisted by 4 and 3 Sectional Officers,
respectively. Besides, other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV
staff also assist the Subdivisional Engineers.
The
main functions of this division are to look after drainage and flood control
work control work in the Sangrur District.
(v) Executive Engineer, Tube-well
Division, Malerkotla
Opened
in 1952, this division is headed by an Executive Engineer who functions under
the control of the Superintending Engineering, Tube-well Circle, Punjab,
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). The Executive Engineer is assisted by 1
Head Draftsman, 1 Draftsman, 1 Head Clerk, 1 Accountant, besides other
ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
This
division has 2 subdivisions under it: Tube-well Subdivision No. 1, Melerkotla,
and Tube-well sub division No. II, and Malerkotla. Each of these subdivisions
is under the charge of a Sub Divisional Engineer who is assisted by 4 Sectional
Officers 1 Foreman, 1 Electrician, 4 Mechanics, etc. Subdivision No. 1 has 1
Assistant Special foreman and 113 Tube-well Operators, while Subdivision No. II
has 124 Tube-well Operators.
The
main functions of this division are running and maintaining of Government
tube-wells in the Sangrur District.
(vi) Executive Engineer, Sangrur Division,
Irrigation Branch, Sangrur
Established
prior to Independence, this division is headed by an Executive Engineer,
Irrigation Branch, Sangrur, who functions under the control of the
Superintending Engineer, Patiala Circle, Irrigation Branch, Patiala. The
Executive Engineer, is assisted by one Divisional Head Draftsman, 2 Draftsman 1
Deputy Collector, 1 Head Clerk, 1 Head Revenue Clerk, besides other ministerial
Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
This
division has 5 subdivisions under it: Harigarh subdivision, Harigarh (Tahsil
Sunam); Landa Subdivision, Ladda (Tahsil Malerkotla); Maherna Subdivisioin,
Maherna (Tahsil Malerkotla); Remodelling Subdivisioin, Sangrur; and Lining
Subdivision No. 1, Sangrur. Each of these subdivision is under the charge of a
sub Divisional Engineer who is assisted by 3 Sectional Officers, except in Remodelling
sub division, Sangrur and Lining Subdivision I, Sangrur. In these subdivisions
the Sub Divisional Engineers are assisted by 5 and 4 Sectional Officers,
respectively. Besides, other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV
staff also assist the Sub Divisional Engineers.
(vii) Dialpura Subdivision, Irrigation Branch,
Dialpura (Tahsil Sunam)
Established
prior to 1947, this subdivision is headed by the Sub divisional Engineer,
Irrigation Branch, Dialpura who functions under the control of the Executive
Engineer, Lehal Division, Irrigation Branch, Patiala. The Sub Divisional
Engineer is assisted by 2 Sectional Officers, 1 Subdivisional Clerk, 1 Revenue
Clerk, besides other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of this subdivision are fair and proportionate supply of water
to the farmers and development of irrigation works.
(viii) Nabha Subdivision, Irrigation Branch, Nabha[P1].
Established
prior to Independence, this subdivision is headed by the Sub Divisional
Engineer, Irrigation Branch, Nabha, who functions under the control of
Executive Engineer, Lehal Division, Irrigation Branch, Patiala. He is assisted
by 5 Sectional Officer, 1 Sub Divisional Clerk, 4 Revenue Clerks, 3 Zaildars,
besides other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of this subdivision are to construct water channels for
providing irrigation facilities to the farmers.
(ix) Lining Subdivision No. I, Irrigation
Branch, Sangrur
Established
on 2 May 1975, this sub division is headed by the Sub Divisional Engineer,
Sangrur, who functions under the Executive Engineer, Construction Division,
Irrigation Branch, Patiala. The Sub Divisional Engineer is assisted by 6
Sectional Officers, 1 Sub Divisional Clerk, 3 Irrigation Booking Clerks, 1 Daffadar,
besides other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
(x) Lining Subdivision No. 2, Irrigation
Branch, Sangrur
Establishment
on 16 June 1976, this subdivision is headed by the Sub Divisional Engineer,
Sangrur, who functions under the control of the Executive Engineer,
Construction Division, Irrigation Branch, Patiala. The sub Division Engineer,
is assisted by 6 Sectional Officers, 1 Sub Divisional Clerk, 3 Irrigation Booking
Clerks and 1 Daffadar, besides other ministerial Class III and
miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of this subdivision are lining of distributaries to provide
irrigation facilities to the farmers.
(x) Lining Subdivision No. 2, Irrigation Branch,
Sangrur
Established
on 16 June 1976, this subdivision is headed by the Sub Divisional Engineer,
Sangrur, who functions under the control of the Executive Engineer,
Construction Division, Irrigation Branch, Patiala. The Sub Divisional Engineer,
is assisted by 6 Sectional Officers, 1 Sub Divisional Clerk, 3 Irrigation
Booking Clerks and 1 Daffadar, besides other ministerial Class III and
miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of this subdivision are lining of distributaries to provide irrigation
facilities to the farmers.
(b) Public
Relations Department
At
the district level, the department is represented by the District Public
Relations Officer, Sangrur, whose office was established in 1956. He is
assisted by Assistant Public Relations Officers 4 Tahsil Publicity Organizers,
2 Field Publicity Assistants, 1 Accountants, 1 Drama Inspector, 3 Information
Centre Assistants, 2 Radio Mechanics, 3 Cinema Operators, 1 Stage Master, 1
Tabla Master, 1 Harmonium Master, 5 Actor, besides other ministerial/technical
Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
functions of the District Public Relations Officer are to serve as liaison
between the State Government and the Public, and to disseminate and publicise
government activities through media of staging dramas, screening of cinema
shows, holding of conferences and kavi darbars (poetic symposia), setting up of exhibitions, display and
distribution of literature, announcement of various orders of the government
for the general public in urban as well as in rural areas, etc. besides, he
effects publicity through press and maintains close contacts between government
and the people and keeps government informed of public reactions to its plans
and policies and conveys the public grievances to the district and State
authorities. He also receives tourists not only from within the country but
also from abroad. Besides, under the Community Listening Scheme, radio and
transister sets are supplied by the State to the panchayats through the
District Public Relations Officer on subsidized rates so as to enable the
people in the villages, especially those in remote areas, to come to know about
the day to day development and other progressive activities taking place in the
country.
The
work of the Co-operative Department in the district is looked after by the
Deputy Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Sangrur, whose office was established
on 1 April 1974. He is under the administrative control of the Registrars,
Co-operative Societies, one each at Sangrur and Malerktola. Besides he is
assisted by 1 Accountant, 10 Inspectors, 30 Sub Inspectors, and other
ministerial and technical Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
office of the Assistant Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Sangrur, was
established in 1952-53. He is assisted by Head Clerk, 1 Accountant, 1
Statistical Assistant, 18 Inspectors, 27 Sub Inspectors, besides other
ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
Office of the Assistant Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Malerkotla, was
established on 5 August 1970. He is assisted by 1 Head Clerk, 1 Statistical
Assistant, 25 Inspectors, 17 Sub –Inspectors besides, other ministerial Class
III and Miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of these offices are to ensure healthy growth and development of
the Co-operative Movement; to register co-operative societies; to conduct
inspection and supervision over the societies; to provide requisite credit to
the societies for the purchase of fertilizers, farm machinery, implements,
pesticides, seeds, installation of tube-wells etc. to recover loans; and to
distribute essential commodities in the rural areas.
(d) Food and
Supplies Department
The
department is represented at the district level by the District Food and
Supplies Controller, who works under the administrative control of the
Director, Food and Supplies, Punjab, Chandigarh.
The
office of the District Food and Supplies Controller, Sangrur, was established
in 1959. Since 1977-78 the number of posts has been increased under this cadre
in the State; 2 District Food And Supplies Controllers are functioning in the
Sangrur District. They are assisted by 4 District Food and Supplies Officers,
12 Assistant Food and supplies Officers, 66 Inspectors, 95 Sub-Inspectors, 1
Senior Auditor, 30 Junior Auditors, 1 Head Clerk, 4 Accountants, 1 Statistical
Assistant, 1 Head Analyst, 2 Junior Analysts, besides other allied Class III
and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of the department are procurement of food grains; distribution
of sugar, rice, wheat-flour and vegetable ghee, etc. through fair price
shops in the urban as well as rural areas; issue/renewal of licences for
brick-kilns, fire-wood, coal depots, ricemills, pulses etc. allotment of
coal/coke and cement, kerosence, ghee, rice, sugar, yarn, etc. The
department also maintains its own godowns for storage of foodgrains.
The
department is represented at the district level by the Treasury Officer,
Sangrur, who is incharge of the District Treasury, Sangrur. He is assisted by 6
Assistant Treasury Officers (one each incharge of the Sub-Treasuries of
Ahmedgarh, Barnala, Malerkotla, Dhuri, Sunam and Moonak), 2 Assistant Superintendents
Treasury, 1 District Treasurer, 6 Assistant Treasurers, 16 Assistants, besides
other ministerial Class III and miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of the Treasury Officer and the Assistant Treasury Officers are
to issue all kinds of stamps, to maintain the initial accounts of Government
receipts and payments, passing the bills and pension vouchers, etc. they are
also responsible to the Accountant General, Punjab, Chandigarh, for the regular
submission of monthly accounts and allied returns, etc.
The
department is represented at the district level by the District Statistical
Officer, Sangrur, whose office was established in 1957. The District
Statistical Officer is assisted by 3 Technical Assistants, 1 Assistant, 11
Field assistants, 1 Computer, besides other ministerial Class III and
miscellaneous Class IV staff.
The
main functions of the District Statistical Officer are to collect, analyse and
compile the statistical data from various offices at the district level; to
conduct administration hoc socio-economic surveys; to collect price data for
supplying to the Different Central and State Government agencies; and to
collect weekly retail prices and to formulate district plans etc.
The
Department is represented at the district level by District Language Officer,
Sangrur, whose office was established in September 1964. The District Language
Officer is assisted by an Instructor, a Clerk and a Peon.
The
main functions of the District Language Officer, Sangrur, are; to popularize
Punjabi in the offices at the district level; to impart training in Punjabi
shorthand and typewriting, to organize literary meetings, kavi darbars
(poetic Symposia), Seminar Dramas, debates and poetic compositions to celebrate
birth/death anniversaries of the repeated late poets/writers to the district at
their native places; to undertake linguistic survey had to bring out
glossaries; to award financial Assistance to literary man and
institutions/Organisations; and to assist the Government Officer in translating
pamphlets/book in Punjabi. Besides, he visits various government offices in the
district and guides and helps the staff in their difficulties, in so far as
they relate to the above mentioned functions.
CHAPTER XIV
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(a) Evolution of Local Self-Government in the
District
Local
Self-Government in the Sangrur District, as in other districts of Punjab,
consists of municipal committees, notified and town area committees, zila
parishads, panchayats samities and panchayats. These institutions are managed
by the local people to ensure harmonious relations between different people for
smooth functioning of administrations. While working within the guidelines
provided by the State Government, these institutions are functionally
autonomous in many respect.
Local
Self-Government in Punjab is of two kinds, i.e. urban local self-government and
rural local self-government. The important and that of rural local
self-government are Zila Parishads, Panchayat Samities and Gram Panchayats. The
development of these institutions in urban areas is described in this section
while that of rural areas is discussed under the head “Panchayati Raj” section
(d) of this chapter.
Historical Retrospect. – The Sangrur
District was carved out as a separate unit in 1948 out of the territories of
the erstwhile Princely states of Jind, Patiala, Nabha and Malerkotla, and some
villages of the former British territory of Ludhiana District. Before the
constitution of municipal committees in the district in the first half of the
20th century, the functions of local bodies were performed by the
government department of the erstwhile princely states. The first municipal
committee in the area now comprising the Sangrur District was constituted at
Malerkotla in 1905 under the orders of the erstwhile Nawab of Malerkotla. The
next municipal committee was constituted at Sangrur in 1927 under the circular
issued by Raja of the erstwhile Jind State. In 1935, the Raja enacted an Act
known as the Jind Municipal Act, 1935. This was the first step towards
introduction of local self-government in the Sangrur District. The Maharaja of
Patiala also enacted the Patiala Small Town Act in 1995 Bikrami (A. D. 1938),
for the constitution of Municipal committees falling within his State.
Small town
committees, under the Patiala Small Town Act, were constituted on 1 October
1945 at Barnala, Bhadaur, Bhawanigarh, Dhuri, Lehragaga, Longowal, Tapa and
Sunam. All these town committees were converted into Class II and Class III
municipal committees in September 1956.
On the merger of
these princely states into Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) in
1948, the committees were declared independent and self-governing bodies,
provisions of the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911, amended upto 1949, and Patiala
Small Town Act, 1946, were made applicable to the second and third class
municipal committees of this district. The first municipal elections in the
district were held in 1952 and the municipal committees became independent
local bodies.
Before
Independence, the municipal committees consisted of nominated members. The Nazim
(D.C.) was invariably the president of the committees. The nominations were
made by the Raja of the State. This system of nomination continued till the
first elections to the municipal committees were held in 1952. With the merger
of PEPSU in the Punjab on 1 November 1956, al enactments relating to the
municipal committees were held in 1952. With the merger of PEPSU in the Punjab
on 1 November 1956, all enactments relating to the municipal administration in
the Punjab State became applicable to the municipalities of this district also.
Thereafter, elected bodies came into being under the Punjab Municipal Act,
1911, which was in force in the Punjab. Provision was made for the appointment
of official advisers who were empowered to participate in the meetings of the
municipal committees but were not entitled to vote. In this way, popular
control over the local bodies was encouraged and powers were granted in regard
to their functions and capacities. Zila parishads were also strengthened with
delegation of large powers. Legislations were enacted to regulate the functions
and capacities. Zila parishads were also strengthened with delegation of large
powers. Legislations were enacted to regulate the functions, powers, and
responsibilities of the local bodies. New election rules were framed to provide
for election on the basis of universal adult franchise. The system of communal
electorate was done away with. In lieu thereof, provision was made for
reservation of seats in the local bodies for members of the Scheduled Castes in
proportion to their population within the area of municipal committees. Under
the Punjab Municipal (Amended) Act 1956, reservation was made for the members
of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes in the services of
municipal committees.
The term of
office of Municipal Commissioner in the State is five years.
(b) Organization and Structure
Functions Duties of Municipal Committees
Statutorily, the
Punjab Municipal bodies have two types of functions-obligatory and optional.
Obligatory functions are those which every municipal committee has to perform,
and if for their performance the committee does not make sufficient provision
in its budget, the State Government compels it to do so; and if the committee
fails to perform these functions satisfactorily, the State Government may even
supersede the committee and place the municipality under the charge of one to
its own officers. Obligatory functions are largely of four types; public safely
and convenience, medical relief, public works and public health. These include
such activities as regulating or preventing abetment of offensive or dangerous
trades, removing of obstructions and projections in public streets, lighting
and cleaning of public streets, extinguishing of fires, provision and
regulation of slaughter houses, burial grounds, latrines, picnic spots, drains
and sewers, registration of births and deaths, public vaccination, inoculation
and primary education, etc.
The list of
optional functions is comprehensive and includes construction and construction
and maintenance of public streets, establishing and maintaining public parks,
gardens, libraries, museums, dharamshalas, rest-house, lunatic asylums,
furthering educational programmes other than primary education, planting and
maintaining of roadside trees, arranging for the destruction of stray dogs,
maintaining dairy farms and breeding studs, holding of exhibitions, etc.
There are 12
municipalities in the district at Ahmedgarh, Barnala, Bhadaur, Bhawanigarh,
Dhanaula, Dhuri, Lehragaga, Longowal, Malerkotla, Sangrur, Sunam and Tapa. Out
of these, Malerkotla and Barnala Municipalities are Class I, 6 including
Sangrur are Class II and 4 are Class III. The income and expenditure of each
municipality is given in Appendix, at the end of this Chapter. The sources of
income of different municipalities include house tax, octroi, toll, water rate,
licence fee, slaughter house fee, building application fee, dhobi ghat
fee, advertisement, fee, adda fee, show tax, entertainment tax, liquor
tax, etc.
A brief account
of each municipality is given below:
Ahmedgarh Municipality
This municipality
was constituted in 1924. At present, it is a Class II municipality. It had 13
members in June 1979.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 3.34 sq. km.
And its population was 12,499 persons.
The civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street-lights, drains, water
supply, arrangement for the cleanliness of the town and disposal of the town refuse.
The surface drainage system was introduced in the town by the municipality in
1924 and whole of the town has been covered by it. The water supply scheme has
also been started in the town. The municipality maintains a library-cum-reading
room. It also maintains 25.33 km of roads.
Barnala Municipality
A small town
committee was established at Barnala in 1945. It was later on converted into a
class II municipality in 1951. It has now been given the status of a Class I
municipality since April 1979. In June 1979, had 17 members.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 10,36 sq. km
and its population comprised 31,388 persons.
The civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, water supply,
surface drains, arrangement for the cleanliness of the town and disposal of the
town refuse. The water supply scheme was introduced in the town in 1952. At
present 4 tube-wells are being maintained by the municipality for the supply of
water. The surface drainage scheme was introduced in the town on the very
inception of the municipality. However, the sewerage system was introduced in
1973-74 and it is still in progress. The municipality contributed, during
1977-78, Rs 46,702 to the Balwadi, school, reading room, medical institutions. Gaushalas,
sports club, library and Dhanwantri Ashudhalaya. It also maintains 20 km of
roads within the municipal limits.
Bhadaur Municipality
It was also
constituted in the first instance as a small town committee in 1945 under the
Patiala Small Town Act. In September 1956, it was raised to a Class III
municipal committee by the then PEPSU Government. This status of the
municipality has still not changed. In June 1979, it had 13 members.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 2.59 sq. km.
and its population was 10,428 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, drains, water
supply, arrangements for the cleanliness of the town. The drainage system was
introduced by the municipality in 1957 and it has covered the whole of the
town. The water supply scheme has also been introduced. The municipality
maintains 5 km of roads within the municipal area.
Bhawanigarh Municipality
At Bhawanigarh, a
small town committee was constituted in 1945 by the erstwhile Patiala State. It
was later on raised to a Class III municipality in September 1956. In June 1979
it had 11 members.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 2.59 sq. km.
and its population was 6,260 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, water supply,
arrangements for the cleanliness of the town and disposal of the town refuse.
The water supply scheme was introduced by the municipality in 1976. Pucca
drains were constructed in 1959 and scheme for sewerage is under the
consideration of government. The municipality maintains a reading room. It
maintains 1 km of road in the municipal area.
Dhanaula Municipality
The town of
Dhanaula was founded in 1775 Bikrami (A. D. 1718) by Gurditta, the eldest son
of Taloka and remained capital of Nabha Princely State until 1755, when Nabha
Town was founded and the capital of the State was shifted to the new town.
The municipality
was constituted in 1949. It is Class II municipality. It had 13 members in June
1979.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 5,83 sq. km.
And its population was 11,877 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, drains and
arrangements for the cleanliness of the town. The drainage system was
introduced in the town in 1950. It maintains a library cum-reading room. It
also maintains 5 km of roads.
Dhuri Municipality
Constituted as a
small town committee in 1945 the erstwhile Patiala State, Dhuri is a class II
municipality since 1954. In June 1979, it had 15 members.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 2.59 sq. km.
And the population was 17,501 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, open surface
drains, arrangement for the cleanness of the town and disposal of the town
refuse. The open drainage system was introduced in the town in 1953 and the
water supply scheme was introduced in 1975. At present the municipality
maintains 1 tube-well for the supply of water to the town. It maintains a
library-cum-reading room. It also contributes Rs 193 to the Mental Hospital,
Amritsar, besides, maintaining a Social Education Centre on which the
municipality spends Rs 150 annually. It also maintains 5.77 km of roads within
the municipal area.
Lehragaga Municipality
At Lehragaga as a
small town committee was constituted by the erstwhile Patiala State in 1945. It
was raised to class II municipality in September 1956. In June 1979, it had 11
members.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 1.97 sq. km
and the population was 8989 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, open surface
drains, arrangement for the cleanness of the town and disposal of the town
refuse. The drainage system was
introduced in the town in 1952 and the whole of the town has been covered under
the scheme.The Municipality maintains a library-cum-reading room. It makes
annual contribution of Rs. 95 Mental
Hospital, Amritsar. It also maintains 6.6 km of roads.
Longowal Municipality
Constituted in
October 1945 as a small town committee, it was raised to a Class III
municipality in September 1956, which it still continues to be. It had 13
members in June 1979.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 7.77 sq. km.
And its population was 10,512 persons.
The civic
amenities by the municipality include street lights, drains, arrangements for
the cleanliness of the town and disposal of town refuse. The drainage system
was introduced in the town in 1952-53 and in the whole f the town pucca drains
have been constructed. It maintains library-cum-reading room. No road is being
maintained by this municipality in the town.
Melerkotla Municipality
The municipality
was constituted in 1905. However, prior to Independence it was a state-run
department, but later on, it became an independent body. It is now class I
municipality. It had 19 members in June 1979.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 4.22 sq. km.
And its population was 48,536 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, water supply,
drains, and arrangements for the cleanliness of the town and disposal of the
town refuse. The drainage system was introduced by the municipality in 1962-63
and it is yet to cover the whole of the town. The water supply scheme was
started in 1974. At present the municipality maintains 2 tube-wells for the
supply of water. The municipality is maintaining a library and the reading
room. It has provided site for an Ayurvedic dispensary. It also maintains 59.63
km of roads.
Sangrur Municipality
The Sangrur
Municipality was constituted in 1927, vide circular No. 997 dated 29
January 1926, issued by the Raja of Jind State. It is Class II municipality. In
June 1979, it had 17 members.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limits was 10.36 sq. km.
and its population was 31,318 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, water supply, drains
and arrangements, for the cleanliness of the town including the disposal of the
town refuse. The water supply system was introduced in the town by the
municipality in August 1965. At present the municipality maintains 4 tube-wells
for the supply of water. It also maintains a reading room in the town. It
contributes Rs 340 per annum to the Mental Hospital, Amritsar. It also
maintains 23.88 km of roads within the municipal area.
Sunam Municipality
At Sunam, a small
town committee was constituted in 1945 by the erstwhile Patiala State. It is a
Class II municipality since 7 June 1951. It had 15 members in June 1979.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the municipal limit was 3.89 sq.km.
and its population was 26,966 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, water supply,
drains, arrangements, for the cleanliness of the town and disposal of the town
refuse. The water supply scheme was introduced in the town in 1976. Drains have
also been constructed by the town. The municipality maintains Shaheed Udham
Singh Library and a reading room. It is also maintains 4 km of roads.
Tapa Municipality
Constituted as
small town committee in 1945, Tapa was declared Class III Municipality in 1956.
In June 1979, it had 11 members.
According to the
1971 Census, the area of the town within the Municipal limits was 0.36 sq. km.
and its population was 7,748 persons.
The various civic
amenities provided by the municipality include street lights, drains, arrangements
for cleaning of the town and disposal of the town refuse. No road is being
maintained by the municipality.
(C) Town and Country Planning and
Housing
For purposes of
town and country planning, the Sangrur District, falls under the jurisdiction
of Division Town Planner, Bathinda Division, Bathinda. Besides looking after
the interests of Sangrur District, this office also caters to the needs of the
Bathinda District. This office was established at Bathinda on 4 January 1972.
The main
functions of this office are to render technical assistance to the various
municipal committees and improvement trusts of Sangrur District in preparing
their town and country planning schemes. Besides, it surveys the area of
scheme, preparation of the scheme and to render help to the staff of the
municipal committees and improvement trusts in demarcation. It also prepares
schemes for the urban estates of the Punjab Housing Development Board in the
district. In it includes preparation of lay-out plans of the survey schemes,
zoning plan, building and control sheets, frame control etc. In the selection
of sites, this office also renders help to the government and semi-government
projects. Under the integrated Rural Development Programme, this office assists
the Government in selecting the focal villages and prepare their lay-out plans.
Improvement Trusts
An improvement
trust is an ad-hoc body constituted for the development of city. It
generally acquires land for development schemes and allots/auctions plots to
the general public including weaker sections of the society. The main functions
of an improvement trust include clearance of slums, provision of water supply,
sewerage and street light, widening of existing roads and round abouts,
beautification of the city and provision of open space for parks, schools and
construction of markets and residential colonies and orderly expansion of the
town.
The members of an
improvement trust are appointed by the State government from amongst the public
men besides a few ex-officio members. The term of office of a member of an
improvement trust is 3 years.
The source of
income of an improvement trust are municipal contribution, Government grants,
Trust property, Nazool property, fees, investments, etc.
The following
three improvement trust are functioning in Sangrur District: --
Barnala Improvement Trust, Barnala.
– The
Barnala Improvement Trust Barnala, was constituted on 1 March 1972, vide Punjab
Government Gazette Notification No. 81 (43)-3-CI-72/21883, dated 27 November
1972 under the Punjab Town Improvement Act 1922. Trust had 7 members as on 31
March 1978.
The Improvement
Trust has taken up some development schemes for the Barnala Town. These are:
development scheme of Shopping centre near the food and Supplies Office; development
schemes of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Mini Shopping Centre of Shaheed Bhagat Singh
Road; development scheme known as Shaheed Jeeta Singh shopping Centre on
Bajakhana Road; development scheme of residential colony known as Model Town on
Hadiaya-Dhanaula Road.
The income and
expenditure of Improvement Trust, Barnala, as on 31 March 1978, were Rs
4,84,000 and 7,09,000 respectively.
Sangrur Improvement Trust, Sangrur.
– The
Sangrur Improvement Trust, Sangrur, was formed—vide Punjab Government Gazette
Notification No. 1940-60-1-74/8414, dated 28 March 1974. However, it started
functioning w.e.f. 24 July 1974. The trust had 6 members as on 31 March 1978.
The Improvement
Trust, Sangrur, has taken up a few schemes for development of the town which re
either waiting sanction of the State Government or the Town and Country
Planning Department, Punjab. These include the construction of residential
colonies near the Patiala Gate, and commercial sites in Sadr-Bazar and opposite
P.W.D. Rest House. A Scheme has also been prepared to construct houses for
weaker sections of the society near Nabha Gate, besides shop-cum-flat-cum
Public parks are also to be constructed opposite Bus Stand.
The income and
expenditure of the Improvement Trust, Sangrur, as on 31 March 1978, were Rs
3,37,000 and Rs 3,54,000 respectively.
Malerkotla Improvement Trust,
Malerkotla. – The Malerkotla Improvement Trust, Malerkotla, started
functioning from 26 June 1978 when its Chairman was appointed by the Government
vide its Notification No. 845-USL-G-I-78/19043, dated 26 June 1978. The
provisions of the Punjab Town Improvement Act, 1922 were extended to the
Malerkotla town –vide Punjab Government Notification No. 6867-4 CI-75/1960,
dated 20 June 1975. As on 31 March 1978 there were seven members including a
Chairman of this Improvement Trust.
The Improvement
Trust, Malerkotla, is engaged in the Preparation of a few developmental schemes
for the development of Malerkotla town.
[P1]This subdivision is also engaged in
providing irrigation facilities to some areas of Sangrur District.