Telangana government clarifies: No move to remove Deputy Sarpanch cheque-signing powers

Amid circulating reports that the Telangana government is planning to reduce the powers of deputy sarpanches in village panchayats, the Panchayat Raj Department has clarified that these claims are completely false.

Officials emphasized that deputy sarpanches will continue to hold their existing cheque-signing powers. Any recent changes are intended only to improve the efficiency of the rules and administrative procedures, not to curtail their authority. There is currently no proposal to withdraw financial powers from deputy sarpanches, the department said.

The government advised the public not to believe any rumors or reports before an official announcement is made. As per the Panchayat Raj Act, the powers and responsibilities of deputy sarpanches remain unchanged.

In addition, revised orders have been issued regarding grants for village panchayats and mandal parishads under the 15th Finance Commission. Following the guidelines issued by the Union Finance Ministry, the release and utilization of these grants will now be conducted entirely through digital processes.