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Seethakka said that funds were not being received on time due to treasury delays. “The previous government discriminated against panchayats. We are amending the law to rectify this,” she said.

The Minister said that panchayat elections were delayed due to issues regarding BC reservations. Full funding from the Centre for that period was not received. “We are spending Rs 50 crore monthly for gram panchayats. The second instalment of Rs 619 crore for the 2025-26 year is yet to be received. We are paying salaries to multi-purpose workers on the first of the month. The Centre's new policies are impacting village development,” she said.

The Minister also said that the government had to face 40 per cent burden under the VB-Gram-G scheme, which was earlier just 10 per cent. She alleged that the central forest laws were creating obstacles in the construction of roads in forest areas, which is causing inconvenience to the people.

Replying to a question, the Minister said a decision regarding the cheque-signing authority for deputy sarpanches will be taken soon.