A PROFILE OF MYSORE DISTRICT - Information and …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/35946/8...A PROFILE OF MYSORE DISTRICT 3.1. Introduction Mysore District is situated in

__________________________Profile of Mysore District

64

CHAPTER III

A PROFILE OF MYSORE DISTRICT

3.1. Introduction

Mysore District is situated in the southern part of the Deccan Peninsula and

it forms the southernmost district of Karnataka State of the Indian Union. Prior to

1973, Mysore was the name by which Karnataka State was known. Mysore city is

now the headquarters of the district and the revenue division of the same name. It

is known as one of the garden cities in India. It is also known throughout the

world for the pomp and gaiety of its traditional Dasara festival. In the days of

Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, it came to limelight, internationally.

The total geographical area of the district is 6,854 km2 being sixth in rank

among the districts in the State in its size. Some of the places belonging to Mysore

district are of great antiquity. Thirumukudalu Narasipur and Hemmige being

prehistorical sites. The district is mainly drained by the Cauvery River, besides the

Kabini and the Lakshmanathirtha, which are the tributaries of the Cauvery.

Irrigation by canals is a characteristic feature of the district. The climate is

moderate throughout the year and the district is generally free from occurrences of

earthquakes. The district is the second richest district in forest wealth in the State,

next only to Uttara Kannada. Landholdings in the district are characterized by the

predominance of small holdings. The climatic conditions of the district are

congenial for the development of horticultural crops. The livestock wealth of the

district is considerable and progress has been evidenced in the development of

poultry rearing, dairying and inland pisci-culture. Industrially, it stands fourth in

the number of factories and third in the labour force in 1985-86 and the district is

not however well endowed with rich mineral wealth.

The district is known for its traditional industrial activities such as the

agarbathi (incense sticks), silk reeling, handloom and silk weaving and crafts like

the inlaid works. Rearing silk worms is one of the major cottage industries of the

district, and thus it stands first in the area of sericulture.


65

Mysore district is well served by a large network of roads connecting all the

taluks and important trading centres outside the district. The district occupies the

top place in the state in respect of road and telecommunications. With regard to

trade and commerce, the district is favorably placed. Considering its progress in

respect of development and utilization of irrigational facilities, exploitation of

forest wealth and its sericulture potential, Mysore district may be considered as

one of the prosperous districts of the State.

3.2. Origin of Name Mysore

Mysore district, like most of the district of Karnataka State, takes its name

from its headquarters town. Mahisharastra, mentioned in the Buddhist text of

Dipavamsha, is identified with Msyore. Ashoka is stated to have sent his Buddhist

Missionaries to Mysore. Some identify it with Erumainad of the ancient Tamil

texts. But such identifications are difficult to accept. The earliest reference to

Mysore is in a copper plate inscription dated 862 AD from Kadalur, Mandya taluk

(EI, XXXVI, p. 97), where the place is mentioned in inscriptions of the 11th

and

12th

centuries. By way of literary flourish, it is also spelt as Mahisurapura. The

name of Mahisur or its anglicized form „Mysore‟ is described as derived from

Mahisasura or the buffalo-headed monster, who lived in this area and came to be

killed by the Goddess Chamundi. The Chamundi Hills are associated with

Mahishasura‟s execution by the Goddess. But, etymologically, the place can be

associated with “May” (an antelope) than Mahisha (buffalo).

3.3. Location

The district lies between 11o 30' N and 12

o 50' N Latitudes and 75

o 45' E

and 77o 45' E Longitudes. It is bounded on the north by Hassan, Mandya and

Bangalore districts; and on the south by Chamarajanagara district (from 1997) and

Kannur district of Kerala State. On the east also, it is bounded by Chamarajanagara

district and on the west by Kodagu district, besides Wynad district of Kerala State

(Figure 3.1). Physiographically, the region in which the district is situated may be

classified as partly maidan (plains) and partly semi-maidan of the Mysore plateau.


66

Figure 3.1- LOCATION OF STUDY AREA

TALUKS SELECTED FOR STUDY


67


68

Mysore district is described as an undulating tableland, fertile and well

watered by the perennial rivers, whose waters are dammed by anicuts enriching

their banks by means of canals. Here and there, granite rocks rise from the plains,

which is otherwise un-intermittent and wooded.

3.4. Administrative Set Up

Mysore district consists of seven revenue taluks, namely, H.D. Kote,

Hunsur, K.R. Nagar, Nanjangud, Periyapatna, T. Narasipura and Mysore (Urban

and Rural). For administrative purposes, Mysore district is divided into two sub-

divisions, which are Hunsur and Mysore and the district has 1,216 villages, 11

statutory towns, 235 grama panchayats and 226 wards. The District Commissioner

is responsible for managing the district administration and the Assistant

Commissioners are responsible for managing the sub-divisions of the district.

There are 7 revenue administrative blocks and 9 educational blocks. Mysore

block is divided into two educational blocks, namely, Mysore Urban and Mysore

Rural. Mysore Urban is further bifurcated into sub-educational blocks, namely,

Mysore North and Mysore South, for administrative purposes. H.D. Kote and

Nanjangud blocks have vast geographical areas because of the forests. Nanjangud

block has a large number of grama panchayats in the district and this is due to

larger populations of the block compared to the remaining blocks of the district

(see Table 3.1). Apart from the above, the district has 9 municipalities, 1 City

Corporation (Mysore), 7 taluk panchayats, 46 Zilla Panchayat Constituencies, 1

Parliamentary Constituency and 11 assembly constituencies.

Table 3.1, Villages and Panchayats in Mysore District 2009-10

Taluks Inhabited

Villages

Grama

Panchayats Wards

H.D. Kote 243 32 38

Hunsur 192 30 23

K.R. Nagar 156 31 23

Mysore 131 35 69

Nanjangud 176 45 27

Periyapatna 197 26 13

T. Narasipura 121 36 33

Total District 1,216 235 226

Source: District at a Glance 2009-10.


69

3.5. Climate and Rainfall

The climate of the district is tropical and is greatly influenced by the two

seasons, namely, the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon. In regard to

temperatures, there are mild temperatures during the months of December-March,

but starting in April, the temperatures increase gradually to reach a peak in May

and begin to decrease only after the end of the southwest monsoon, in September.

The climate is salubrious for nearly 5 months because of the elevations, but is

generally hot the rest of the year.

Table 3.2 below reveals taluk-wise distribution of rainfall in the district of

Mysore. H.D. Kote, Hunsur and Periyapatna taluks are cool and moist during

winter and rainy seasons and these taluks are in the semi-malnad region of the

State. The remaining taluks are comparatively dry (except along the riverine tracts)

during the year. The highest rainfall was recorded in H.D. Kote at 920.1 mm and

the lowest was recorded in Hunsur taluk with only 762.8 mm, in 1960. The

distribution of rainfall in the district has been satisfactory and it is normally more

than 762 mm. In 1965, the distribution of rainfall in the district was not

satisfactory, however. The highest rainfall was recorded in H.D. Kote at 817 mm

and the lowest was in Nanjangud at 420.9 mm. In the year 1985, low rainfall was

recorded in the district. The highest recorded for the year was in Yelandur taluk at

1022.9 mm and the lowest was in T. Narasipura taluk at 367.3 mm.


70

Table 3.2, Rainfall in Mysore District 2009-10

Taluks

Normal Rainfall

1941-1990

(in mm)

Actual Rainfall

2009-10 (in mm)

H.D. Kote 832 989

Hunsur 739 1,028

K.R. Nagar 800 890

Mysore 784 827

Nanjangud 670 599

Periyapatna 830 1,046

T. Narasipura 712 832

District 767 883

Source: District at a Glance, Mysore 2009-10.

The highest actual rainfall during 2010 was recorded in Periyapatna taluk

with 1,046 mm and the lowest actual rainfall in Nanjangud taluk with 599 mm.

Table 3.2 above gives the distribution of rainfall in the district by taluks for the

year 2009-10 (see Figure 3.2)

Figure 3.2, Taluk-wise Distribution of Rainfall in Mysore District 2009-10


71

3.6. Rivers

The River Cauvery is the lifeline of the district. It springs up on the Western

Ghats at Talacauvery in Kodagu district, entering the district near Abbur in the

northwest of K.R. Nagar taluk. It meanders through the district for about 250 km.

The other rivers of the district are the Hemavathi and the Kabini. All these are the

tributaries of the Cauvery. The Cauvery flows through the taluks of K.R. Nagar

and T. Narasipura. The Kabini River flows through the taluks of H.D. Kote,

Nanjangud and T. Narasipura.

3.7. Soils

The soils of the district can be broadly classified as the laterite, red loam,

sandy loam, red clay and black cotton soils. Laterite soil occurs mostly in the

western parts of the district while the red loam is found in the northwest. The two

account for nearly half the area of the district. Black cotton soil is mostly found in

the northeastern parts of the district. Red sandy loam soils are derived from

granites and gneisses. The western taluks of Periyapatna, H.D. Kote and Hunsur

are covered with hilly terrain and contain red, shallow gravelly soils. In the taluks

of T. Narasipura and Nanjangud, there is deep red loam, occasionally interspersed

with the black soils. The red soils are shallow to deep, well-drained and do not

contain lime nodules. The black soils are 1 to 5 metres in bases with good water

holding capacity for a longer time.

3.8. Land Utilization

The pattern of land utilization is an important indicator of land development

in any district. The pattern of land use suggests the extent of availability of land for

cultivation, land under forests, permanent pastures and cultivable wastes. Land use

classification is primarily based on whether or not a particular area is cultivated,

grassed or forested. Its main purpose is to show the distribution in detail, of

existing land according to its actual use and also how a particular piece of land is

potentially utilized.

The land is classified into a nine-fold classification according to use. They

are: the forests, land put to non-agricultural uses, barren and uncultivable lands,


72

permanent pastures and other grazing lands, land under miscellaneous tree crops

and groves not included in the net area sown, cultural wastes, fallow lands other

than current fallows, current fallow and net area sown. The land utilization pattern

is represented in the following Table 3.3.

Table-3.3, Land Utilization Pattern in Mysore District 2009-10

Type of Land Utilization Area ha % age of

Area

Forests 62,851 9.30

Land put to non-agricultural uses 67,028 10.00

Barren and uncultivable lands 45,812 6.77

Permanent pastures and other grazing lands 55,256 8.17

Land used for miscellaneous tree crops and

groves not included in the net area shown

6,871 1.00

Cultural wastes 21,460 3.17

Fallow lands other than current fallows 37,054 5.47

Current fallows 41,864 6.18

Net area sown 338,186 50.00

Total Geographical Area 676,382 100.00

Source: District at Glance, Mysore 2009-10.

Table 3.3 shows that a large part of the land is devoted to net area sown.

But 1.05 per cent of land is occupied by miscellaneous tree crops and groves. The

same is depicted in the Figure 3.3.

3.9. Forests and Forestry

Mysore District has only 10 percent of the total geographical area of the

State. Even this is also deteriorating. Hence, the Zilla Panchayat is interested in

developing social forestry in the Government and private lands with the co-

operation of people instead of just improving the reserved forests. Much

importance has been given to involvement of rural people at the Grama Panchayat

level. According to a Census report, the total geographical area covered by the

forests is 62,851 hectares. However, due to imbalances in the environment of

Mysore District, the State has initiated various other programmes through ZP.


73

Figure 3.3, Land Utilization Pattern in Mysore District 2009-10

(Area in per cent)

3.10. Irrigation

A total of 159,230 hectares is the net area irrigated in Mysore district. The

main rivers of Kabini, Cauvery and Harangi supply water for agriculture in the

district. Among them, the Cauvery flows through K.R. Nagar and T. Narasipura

taluks, Kabini flows through H.D. Kote, Nanjanagud and T. Narasipura taluks and

join the Cauvery. The minor irrigation systems such as the tanks, wells and bore

wells have played a crucial role in the development of irrigation facilities to

promote and enhance agricultural production in the district. The details of sources

of irrigation are presented in the following Table 3.4.

Table 3.4 reveals that the land under canal irrigation in the district has

increased from 87,685 ha to 108,702 ha in 2005-06 and 2009-10, respectively. The

area under tank irrigation in the district has also increased from 17,377 ha to

20,780 ha in 2005-06 to 2009-10, respectively. On the other, well irrigation in the

district has increased from 10,323 ha to 19167 ha during the same period, the bore

well irrigation has increased from 5,795 ha to 10,223 ha and other irrigation in the

district has however decreased from 375 ha to 358 ha in 2005-06 and 2009-10,

respectively.


74

Table 3.4, Source of Irrigation in Mysore District

Year Canal Tank Well Bore

well

Others Total

2005-06 87,685

(72.14)

17,377

(14.29)

10,323

(8.50)

5,795

(4.76)

375

(0.31)

121,555

(100)

2006-07 115,286

(66.93)

22,480

(13.05)

20,810

(12.10)

13,309

(7.73)

353

(0.20)

172,238

(100)

2007-08 115,286

(66.93)

22,480

(13.05)

20,810

(12.10)

13,309

(7.73)

353

(0.20)

172,238

(100)

2008-09 108,790

(68.36)

20,710

(13.01)

19,900

(12.51)

9,385

(5.90)

353

(0.22)

159,138

(100)

2009-10 108,702

(68.30)

20,780

(13.05)

19,167

(12.03)

10,223

(6.42)

358

(0.22)

159,230

(100)

Source: District at Glance, Mysore 2005-06 to 2009-10.

The same is shown in the following Figure 3.4.

Figure 3.4, Source of Irrigation in Mysore District

3.11. Cropping Patterns

Diversity in cropping pattern is an index of agricultural development. The

most common crops of the district are paddy, ragi, jowar, pulses, sugarcane and

cotton. The statement showing area under principal crops is in the following Table

3.5.


75

Table 3.5, Area under Principal Crops 2005-06 to 2009-10

Year Paddy Ragi Jowar Pulses

Total

Food

Crops

2005-06 118,084

(35.07)

79,824

(23.70)

19,819

(5.90)

119,016

(35.34) 336,743

(100)

2006-07 113,699

(35.82)

66,611

(21.00)

15,285

(4.81)

121,793

(38.37) 317,388

(100)

2007-08 113,699

(35.82)

66,611

(21.00)

15,285

(4.81)

121,793

(38.37) 317,388

(100)

2008-09 121,886

(36.57)

79,570

(23.87)

11,918

(3.57)

119,907

(36.00) 333,281

(100)

2009-10 122,898

(39.90)

62,424

(20.27)

11,789

(3.83)

110,889

(36.00) 308,000

(100)

Source: District at Glance, Mysore 2005-06 to 2009-10.

Figure 3.5, Area under Principal Crops 2005-06 to 2009-10

3.12. Landholdings

The size of landholdings determines the stage of agricultural development.

Large number of small holdings is a sign of economic backwardness. The cost of

cultivation per hectare is high when the size of holding is small and marginal due

to the non-availability of the advantages of large-scale production. The details of

land holdings in the district are presented in Table 3.6.


76

Table 3.6, Pattern of land holdings in Mysore District during 2009-10

Types of Farmers / Land holdings No. of

holdings

Area operated

in ha

Marginal farmers (below 1 ha) 244,595

(65.92)

104,372

(28.93)

Small farmers (1 to 2 ha) 85,021

(22.91)

117,879

(32.67)

Semi-Medium farmers (2 to 4 ha) 32,857

(8.86)

85,925

(23.81)

Medium farmers (4 to 10 ha) 8,012

(2.16)

43,507

(12.06)

Large farmers (10 ha and above) 557

(0.15)

9,141

(2.53)

Total 371,042

(100)

360,824

(100)

Source: District at Glance, Mysore 2009-10.

Table 3.6 shows the distribution landholdings in Mysore District by size.

We understand that the number of marginal formers during the year 2009-10 was

large when compared to other categories of farmers in Mysore District. This shows

that farming is done with very small sizes of landholdings, which need timely

finance and also reveals a greater vision towards an emphasis on agricultural

finance to improve the socio-economic conditions of the farmers (see Figure 3.6).

3.13. Horticulture

Mysore district is renowned for special horticultural crops like Nanjangud

Rasabale, Mysore betel leaves, Mysore Mallige (Jasmine) and Erengere brinjal. A

total of 3,030 ha of land are utilized for growing varieties of fruits and 1985

hecaters of land utilized for growing varieties of vegetables in the district.

However it is most unfortunate that the varieties like the Nanjangud Rasabale (a

variety of banana, tastier and nutritious) and Mysore betel leaves are fast

disappearing due to continuous indifference by the Government.


77

Figure 3.6, Pattern of land holdings in Mysore District during 2009-10

3.14. Sericulture

Sericulture is a combined venture, including the cultivation of mulberry

plants, rearing of cocoons and reeling silk. The Mysore silk is known for its quality

and traditional designs, which attracted the people not only at the national level but

also at the international level. During 2009-10, a total of 2049.7 hectares of land

was cultivated with mulberry and 934.84 metric tonnes of cocoons was produced

during the same year and thus the cropping has given good returns to the growers.

The Central Government has established a Central Sericulture Research Training

Centre at Mysore to help with the farmers. For transacting and getting good prices

for cocoons produced in Mysore district, the cocoon markets have been established

at Nanjangud, T. Narasipura and Hunsur.

3.15. Fisheries

Mysore district is endowed with inland fisheries through its rivers and their

tributaries and also the reservoirs, tanks, ponds, irrigation wells and the like. The

district has 465 km of rivers; there are as many as 210 large lakes and 760 small

lakes available for various purposes including irrigation, covering a water territory

of 18,472 hectares for fisheries. During the year 2009-10, 1.5 million nursery

fishes have been released into them towards fisheries development. The total fishes

caught during the same year are about 7,866 tonnes. The Zilla Panchayat under the


78

State sector has helped many beneficiaries to be engaged in self-employment in

this profession. At present, the fisheries provide good income to the Government

apart from providing employment to thousands of people.

3.16. Population Distribution in Mysore District

Population should be considered as an important factor, while formulating

plans to develop any particular region. The plan document should include the size

of the population, age and sex composition, workforce in different occupations,

literacy rates, rates of growth and the existing density. This will help while

implementng developmental programmes. At the same time, there are certain

factors that are dependent very much on the interplay of physical, economic, socio-

cultural aspects of the population.

3.16.1. Growth of Population

Growth of population in Mysore district during 1991 to 2011 is shown in

Table 3.7, which reveals that, as per Census 1991, the total population was

2,281,653, which accounted for 5.07 per cent of the total population of the State.

The rural population in 1991 was 1,465,034 while the urban population was

816,619, which accounted for 64.21 per cent and 35.79 per cent, respectively. In

Census 2001, it increased to 2,641,027, which accounted for 5.0 per cent. The rural

population of 2001 was of the order of 1,658,899 while the urban population was

at 982,128, which accounted for 62.81 per cent and 37.19 per cent, respectively.

According to 2011, the total population was 2,994,744, which accounted for more

or less the same, at 5.00 per cent. The rural population was 1,756,412 and urban

population was 1,238,332, accounting for 58.65 per cent and 41.35 per cent,

respectively.


79

Table 3.7, Growth of Population in Mysore District 1991-2011

Year Rural

Population

Urban

Population

Total

Population

1991 1,465,034

(64.21)

816,619

(35.79)

2,281,653

(100)

2001 1,658,899

(62.81)

982,128

(37.19)

2,641,027

(100)

2011 1,756,412

(58.65)

1,238,332

(41.35)

2,994,744

(100)

Source: District Census report, and District at a

Glance 2009-10 and 1991-2011

It is estimated that between 1991 and 2011, the population growth has

shown an increase of 13.39 per cent. The rural and urban populations have also

recorded an increase of 10.91 per cent and 17.58 per cent, respectively.

Table 3.8 reveals the decadal growth of population in Mysore district during

1991-2011. As per Census 2001, the decadal growth of population during 1991-

2001 in Mysore district was 15.75 per cent. It was expected to be lower at 13.39

per cent during 2001-2011. Computations for rural and urban population show that

the decadal variation for rural population was 13.23 per cent during 1991-2001 and

10.91 per cent during 2001-11. The figures for urban population have shown 20.26

per cent for 1991-2001 and 17.58 per cent of variation for 2001-11. The decadel

growth of population, rural and urban population during the period 1991-2011 is

shown in Figure 3.7.

Table 3.8, Decadal Growth rate of Population in

Mysore District 1991-2011 (in percentage)

Year Rural Urban Total

1991 - - -

2001 13.23 20.26 15.75

2011 10.91 17.58 13.39

Source: District at a Glance, 1991-2011.


80

Figure 3.7, Growth rate of Population in Mysore District 1991-2011

(in percentage)

3.16.2. Sex Ratio

The distribution of sex ratio of population in Mysore district is presented in

Table 3.9. According to Census 1991, the sex ratio of population was 953 females

per 1,000 males; while the rural sex ratio was 958, the urban sex ratio was 924. In

2001, the sex ratio of the total population was somewhat better at 964 females to

1,000 males, with rural sex ratio at 962 and urban sex ratio at 967, both bettering

the 1991 record. There is further betterment on the sex ratio during 2001-11, but it

is not as high as during 1991-2001: 964 to 982 for total population, 962 to 973 for

rural population and 967 to 994 for urban population (see Figure 3.8).

Table 3.9, Distribution of Sex Ratio in Mysore District 1991-2011


1991 958 924 953

2001 962 967 964

2011 973 994 982



81

Figure 3.8, Sex Ratio in Mysore District 1991-2011

3.16.3. Density of Population

Table 3.10 shows the distribution of density of population in Mysore

District during 1991-2011. As per Census 1991 census, the population density was

383 persons per km2. For the same year, it was 219 persons per km

2 for rural

population and 4392 persons per km2 for urban population. According to Census

2001, the population density for the district as a whole was 419 persons per km2,

for rural areas it was 248 persons per km2 and for urban areas 5508 persons per

km2. It is thus a clearcut increase over the decade for the district as well as rural

and urban areas, because population has increased while the geographical areas

have remained more or less the same.

Table 3.10, Density of Population in Mysore District 1991-2011

Year Rural density Urban density Total density

1991 219 4392 383

2001 248 5508 419

2011 275 6885 437


In 2011 Census, the density of population further increased to 437 persons

per km2 for the entire district, to 275 persons per km

2 for rural areas and to 6885

persons per km2 for the urban areas. This distribution is shown in Figure 3.9.


82

Figure 3.9, Density of Population in Mysore District 1991-2011

3.16.4. Literacy in Mysore District

Table 3.11 shows the distribution of literacy in Mysore district during the

period 1991 to 2011. According to 1991 Census, the literacy was 48.32 per cent, of

which rural literacy accounted for 49.20 percent and urban literacy for 62.43 per

cent. According to 2001 Census, the literacy rate increased from 48.32 per cent to

63.50 per cent over the period 1991 to 2001, while rural literacy increased from

49.20 per cent to 51.80 per cent and urban literacy increased from 62.43 per cent to

82.80 per cent, during the same decade (see Figure 3.10). Literacy further

increased to 72.56 per cent in 2011, with rural literacy accounting for 57.02 per

cent and urban literacy for 77.84 per cent. Throughout, there were gaps between

rural and urban literacy, with urban areas accounting for higher percentages than

the rural areas, primarily because of the concentration of education as a service in

the cities and towns.

Table 3.11, Literacy in Mysore District 1991-2011


1991 49.20 62.43 48.32

2001 51.80 82.80 63.50

2011 57.02 77.84 72.56



83

It has been observed that the literacy rate increased tremendously in the

district because of the fact that the local and regional Governments implemented

many educational development programmes in the district as well.

Figure 3.10, Literacy in Mysore District 1991-2011

(in percentage)

3.17. Occupational Structure

Table 3.12 shows the distribution of various occupations, in terms of

workforce, particularly the main and marginal workers in Mysore District. Mysore

taluk reported the largest number of main workers (339,926), which accounted for

36.70 per cent, followed by Nanjangud taluk with 127,175 (13.41 per cent), H.D.

Kote taluk with 103,171 (11.14 per cent), Hunsur taluk with 100,527 (10.85 per

cent), Periyapatna taluk with 88,035 (9.51 per cent), K.R. Nagara taluk with

87,872 (9.49 per cent) and T. Narasipurta taluk with the lowest number at 82,423,

which accounted for 8.90 per cent, during 2009-10.


84

Table 3.12, Distribution of Main and Marginal by taluks in Mysore District

2009-10

Taluks Main workers Marginal workers Total workers

H.D. Kote 103,171

(11.14)

22,242

(12.08)

125,413

(11.30)

Hunsur` 100,527

(10.85)

36,092

(19.60)

136,619

(12.30)

K.R. Nagara 87,872

(9.49)

24,467

(13.28)

112,339

(10.12)

Mysore 339,926

(36.70)

29,644

(16.11)

369,570

(33.29)

Nanjangud 124,175

(13.41)

32,063

(17.41)

156,238

(14.10)

Periyapatna 88,035

(9.51)

14,022

(7.62)

102,057

(9.19)

T. Narasipura 82,423

(8.90)

25,605

(13.90)

108,028

(9.70)

Total District 926,129

(100)

184,135

(100)

1,110,264

(100)


Hunsur taluk on the other hand reported the highest number of marginal

workers (36,092), accounting for 19.60 per cent, followed by Nanjangud taluk

with 32,063 (17.41 per cent), Mysore taluk with 29,644 (16.11 per cent), T.

Narasipura taluk with 25,605 (13.90 per cent), K.R. Nagara taluk with 24,467

(13.28 per cent), H.D. Kote taluk with 22,242 (12.08 per cent) and Periyapatna

taluk with the lowest number of 14,022, accounting for 7.62 per cent, for the same

year 2009-10. The distribution of main and marginal workers in the study area is

shown on Figure 3.11.


85

Figure 3.11, Distribution of Main and Marginal in Mysore District

by Taluks 2009-10 (in percentage)

3.17.1. Cultivators

Table 3.13 shows the distribution of cultivators, agricultural labourers,

household industrial workers and workers engaged in other services. Hunsur taluk

has had the highest number of 77,588 cultivators, accounting for 19.50 per cent,

followed by Periyapatna taluk with 64,719 (16.26 per cent), H.D. Kote taluk with

63,815 (16.04 per cent), K.R. Nagara taluk with 59,799 (15.02 per cent), Mysore

taluk with 42,156 (10.59 per cent), Nanjangud taluk with 53,008 (13.32 per cent)

and T. Narasipura taluk with 36,872 cultivators, which is the lowest among the

taluks of Mysore in 2009-10, accounting for 9.27 per cent of the total District

cultivators.


86

Table 3.13, Distribution of Cultivators, Agricultural Labourers,

Household Industrial Workers and Other Workers in Mysore District by

Taluk 2009-10

Taluks Cultivators Agricultural

labourers

Household

Industrial

workers

Other

workers Total

H.D. Kote 63,815

(16.04)

43,709

(17.45)

1,450

(6.72)

16,439

(3.73)

125,413

(11.30)

Hunsur 77,588

(19.50)

32,616

(13.02)

2,003

(9.27)

24,412

(5.54)

136,619

(12.30)

K.R. Nagara 59,799

(15.02)

29,281

(11.69)

1,445

(6.69)

21,814

(4.95)

112,339

(10.12)

Mysore 42,156

(10.59)

20,474

(8.17)

11,980

(55.45)

294,960

(66.98)

369,570

(32.30)

Nanjangud 53,008

(13.32)

60,868

(24.29)

2,214

(10.25)

40,148

(9.12)

156,238

(14.10)

Periyapatna 64,719

(16.26)

18,597

(7.42)

1,136

(5.26)

17,605

(4.01)

102,057

(9.20)

T. Narasipura 36,872

(9.27)

44,817

(17.92)

1,374

(6.36)

24,965

(5.67)

108,028

(9.73)

Total District 397,957

(100)

250,362

(100)

21,602

(100)

440,343

(100)

1,110,264

(100)


3.17.2. Agricultural Labourers

Nanjangud taluk has had the highest number of 60,868 agricultural

labourers, which is 24.29 per cent of the total Agricultural workers, followed by

H.D. Kote taluk with 43,709 (17.45 per cent), T. Narasipura taluk with 44,817

(17.90 per cent), Hunsur taluk with 32,616 (13.02 per cent), K.R. Nagara taluk

with 29,281 (11.09 per cent), Mysore taluk with 20,474 (8.17 per cent), and

Periyapatna taluk has had the lowest number of 18,597, accounting for 7.42 per

cent in the district in the year 2009-10.

3.17.3. Household Industrial Workers

Mysore taluk has shown the highest number of household industrial

workers (11,980), accounting for 55.45 per cent, followed by Nanjangud taluk

with 2,214 (10.25 per cent), Hunsur taluk with 2,003 (9.27 per cent), H.D. Kote

taluk with 1450 (6.71 per cent), K.R. Nagara taluk with 1,445 (6.69 per cent), T.


87

Narasipura taluk with 1,374 (6.34 per cent) and Periyapatna taluk has shown the

lowest number of household industrial workers (1,136), accounting for 5.26 per

cent of the total workers.

3.17.4. Other Workers

As regards the other workers, Mysore taluk has registered the highest

number of them at 294,960, accounting for 66.98 per cent, followed by Nanjangud

taluk with 40,148 (9.12 per cent), T. Narasipura taluk with 24,965 (5.67 per cent),

Hunsur taluk with 24,412 (5.54 per cent), K.R. Nagara taluk with 21,814 (4.95 per

cent), Periyapatna taluk with 17,605 (4.01 per cent) and H.D. Kote taluk has

recorded the lowest number (16,439) of other workers, accounting for 3.73 per

cent of the total workers in the district. The distribution of the various categories of

workers is diagrammed in Figure 3.12.

Figure 3.12, Cultivators, Agricultural Labourers, Household Industrial Workers

and Other Workers by Taluk in Mysore District 2009-10 (in percentage)


88

3.18. Transport and Communications

Mysore district is connected by air, rail and road. Mandakalli Air Port is

just 12 km away from the city of Mysore. The total length of railroads in the

district is 120 km, with 16 railway stations. The district is connected by the

National Highways (79.60 km), State Highways (718.48 km), and district main

roads (2,581.48 km). Particularly, communication refers to the availability of a bus

stop, and / or a railway station within the limits of a village concerned. The total

length of roads is 6,808.8 km (which includes village roads, TDB roads, forest

roads, Irrigation Department roads, and Municipality and Panchayat roads. The

total length of the pucca roads is 3,690 km.

There were 414 post offices, 315 telegraph offices, 87 telephone exchanges

with 96,721 telephone connections in operation during the year 2009-10.

3.19. Banking Industry

Mysore District is known for its banking industry. There are 242 branches

of commercial banks, 82 branches of rural banks, 11 urban co-operative banks and

other co-operative banks. They are functioning directly or indirectly boosting the

rapid growth of economy of the district. A total of Rs. 3323.14 millions have been

distributed in the district as loans for various purposes by 7 branches of Primary

Land Development Banks.

3.20. Industry

There are 11 weaving factories, 70 chemical factories, 104 engineering

factories and 400 other factories in Mysore district. Totally, there were 591

factories in the district as on 31.03.2010. A majority of these factories is not only

the source of income to the Grama Panchayats but also provide employment to

53,058 people in the district.

3.21. Local Self-Government in Mysore District

3.21.1. A Brief History

From the early times, Karnataka had been a rich heritage in local self-

governing institutions, keeping in harmony with the changing socio-economic and

political conditions. The old time institutions were self-created by the conscious


89

acts of the local people and were not bestowed from the top (Gazetteer of India,

Karnataka (1988), State, Mysore District: 589).

In Mysore district, a village (uru) was also called by different names like

hundi, padi, or vadi, hatti, natta, bidu, uru, kuppe, koppal, palli, and pala. The

congregation of people was called Urahadinentujaati (the 18 castes of village),

Urahalaru (many), Ura Samastra, including the numeral content. The earliest

Village Assemblies are found in the Ganga inscriptions of the 6th

century AD and

the assemblies were associated with the heads of the families from all castes, who

used to assemble periodically and discuss all local public issues. The executives of

the village assemblies were men of different professions (Vrittis) and the chief

executive was known as the Gavunda, whose number varied according to the

extent of the area, and these gavundas had to share all responsibilities including

the powers to try petty criminal cases. These assemblies also continued to be

founded and fostered from the beginning of the Ganga rule till the Wodeyars of

Mysore. The Urodeya in agrahara corresponded the gavunda or the headman of

the villages.

An inscription of 1175 AD of Hemmanahally of Mysore district mentions

about such meetings attended by the Dandanayakas (Bittimayya) and a number of

gavundas from a number of villages having formed a nadu assembly. The people

of the nadus used to keep the records of their taxes. Nadu assembly was vested

with the responsibility of providing irrigation facilities, administration of justice

and imposition of taxes, and nadugowdas headed these nadus. Likewise, many

inscriptions of the 11th

, 12th

and 13th

centuries had revealed the existence of nadu

and mahanadu, which were guild assemblies of federal character comparable to

the modern Zilla Panchayats or the District Assemblies. In Mysore and Mandya

districts, Barabaluti services, generally known as the Ayagara Paddhati or

Kaivadadavaru is an arrangement to provide the basic services of various

professional and craftsmanship to every village community so that it could be an

economically self-reliant (Gazetteer of India, Karnataka (1988), State, Mysore

District: 615).


90

During the British period, the self-governing bodies entrusted the task of

undertaking various development activities, especially in providing rural

communication, health and sanitation, education facilities, to begin with the areas

other than the municipal limits, came into being in the district simultaneously in

1862 when the municipal administration commenced in the princely Mysore State

in accordance with the Government of India Act XXVI of 1850.

Before the formation of District Local Boards, which received the legal

status of self-governing institutions under the provisions of Mysore Local Boards

II of 1902, there were institutions called the Local Fund Circles, for each district,

presided over by the Chief Revenue Officer of the district, comprising of seven

non-official members (six landowners and one Inamdar) and officials like the

Senior Assistant Commissioner, Executive Engineer, Civil Surgeon and all

Amildars of the taluks were also its ex-officio members. Under the New

Regulation called „The Mysore Local Boards Regulation II of 1902‟, rural local

bodies with district boards, taluk boards and panchayat unions were established.

The District Boards, headed by the Deputy Commissioners, also comprised the

senior district officers of the Departments of Revenue, Medical Relief,

Engineering and Education as ex-officio members in addition to some non-

officials appointed by the Government. The Taluk Boards used to consist of 12

members. The District Boards maintained schools and dispensaries and looked

after roads in the interior parts in addition to sanitation and public health.

The term of office of the non-official members of District Boards was three

years and they used to meet not less than four times a year. The Local Boards

Regulation of 1902 was amended by the Regulation of 1911 (Gazetteer of India,

Karnataka (1988), State, Mysore District: 617).

On the basis of the recommendations made by two separate Committees of

1914-15, headed by M. Kantharaj Urs and C. Srinivas Iyengar, to remedy the

defects of the institutions so as to make them more resourceful and active, the

Local Boards and Village Panchayat Act VI of 1918 was passed, which was a

major landmark in making these institutions more vigorous than before. This was

the first exclusive law to govern the Local Boards as a whole, which provided for


91

the establishment of Village Panchayats with more powers. According to the 1918

Act, representation was given to important communities on the District and Taluk

Boards. The Mysore District Board was permitted to have a non-official Vice-

President, while the DC was to be the President. As part of the All-India Policy,

the British Government embodied according to the provisions of Government of

India Act 1919, and the control of Government on Local Boards was further

relaxed.

After 1918, the resources of the District Boards improved considerably by

additional allotments from local cess and assignment of the Maharaja of Mysore

collected in non-panchayat areas. The district roads earlier constructed from the

general revenue were transferred to the District Boards for up-keep and all

measures to promote health and public convenience were carried out by the

District Boards. Under the above regulation, the local boards were also entrusted

with certain non-obligatory functions like irrigation, drinking water,

encouragement of industries and promotion of agriculture.

The Regulation of 1927 abolished the Taluk Boards, enabling the District

Boards to devote their attention to the development of large local interests in the

district and panchayats too lost their control of supervision from the District

Boards. During 1928-29, the franchise and right of contesting elections was

extended to women, while under the Regulation of 1918 women neither had voting

rights nor they were permitted to contest elections to the District Boards but they

were nominated as members in each of the District Boards, including Mysore. In

1930, the Mysore District Board (including Mandya) had 13 Taluk Committees

(since the Taluk Boards were abolished) with 20 Village Panchayats and had a

strength of 48 members and, of them, 33 were elected, 8 nominated and the rest

were the ex-officio.

Since the passing of the Elementary Education Act in 1930, the

management, control and financing of elementary education was entrusted to the

Local Boards from July 1931. By 1930, every District Board in the State including

Mysore had an elected President and a Vice-President. Representation of officials

and nominations to the Boards were reduced considerably. The term of office of


92

the Board members was four years. During the period of 1940-50, further

developments were marked by the greater efforts to place rural local bodies in

particular on sound footing, more democratic, and closely and effectively

associated with the development work. In old Mysore area, a number of new

schemes like the concentrated propaganda Hobli drive (1942) and training of rural

workers (Grama Sudharaka) were introduced through the executive orders (1947)

(also see Gazetteer of India, Karnataka (1988), State, Mysore District: 622-623).

Before the introduction of Modern Village Panchayat System as a local

administrative unit in the princely Mysore State, the sanitation aspect of the village

was looked after by the Health Department under the Village Sanitation

Regulation passed in 1898, and there are records which reveal the employment of

sweepers in a few villages in Mysore District as early as 1891. Thereafter, in 1914,

a scheme known as the Village Improvement Scheme was initiated by Sir. M.

Visveswaraiah.

The introduction of Village Panchayats and Local Boards Regulation of

1918 marked the beginning of establishing regular village panchayats on statutory

footings. Accordingly, village panchayats were to be constituted for each village or

group of villages with separate resources and a nominated Chairman. The right of

election was allowed in certain cases, on satisfactory progress. Some selected

Panchayats were invested with powers under the village courts, Forest Panchayats,

Tank Panchayats and supervision over village elementary schools.

Later in 1927, by the enactment of Mysore District Boards Regulation III of

1926, which abolished Taluk Boards, it was possible for placing the Panchayat

under the direct control of local revenue officers (Tahsildars), instead of under the

administrative control of the District Boards. Accordingly, the Amildars were

given powers of control and supervision of panchayats (Gazetteer of India,

Karnataka (1988), State, Mysore District). However, the development of

panchayats after the independence, including the appointment of Venkatappa

Committee (1949) and D.H. Chandrashekariah Committee (1953), and the

development after the Reorganization of States and enactment of various

Panchayati Raj laws till date is also made applicable to Mysore District.


93

3.21.2. Formation of Zilla Panchayat in Mysore District

Mysore Zilla Panchayat consists of the members shown in Table 3.14 under

Section 159 of KPR Act 1993. As indicated, there are 46 elected members, besides

3 Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha), 8 members of the State Legislative

Assembly, 9 members of Council of States and members of State Legislative

Council and 7 presidents of Taluk Panchayats. Table 3.16 shows, on the other

hand, the seats reserved for the different communities of the district.

There are 6 seats each reserved for Scheduled Tribe (3 male, 3 female) and

Backward Community A (3 male, 3 female), 10 seats (5 male, 5 female) for the

Scheduled Castes, 1 for Backward Community B (no male) and 23 for General

categories (11 male, 12 female). In all, there are 46 seats (22 male, 24 female)

reserved for the major communities.

Table 3.14, Members of the Mysore Zilla Panchayat

1. Elected members 46

2. Lok Sabha members 03

3. State Legislative Assembly members 08

4. Members of Council of States and

Members of State Legislative Council

09

5. Presidents of Taluk Panchayats 07

Total 73

Source: Zilla Panchayat, Mysore 2010.

Table 3.15, Reservation of Seats in Mysore Zilla Panchayat

Community / Category Male Female

SC 05 05

ST 03 03

BCM (A) 03 03

BCM (B) - 01

General 11 12

Total 22 24

Source: Zilla Panchayat Mysore 2010.


94

3.21.3. Staff of Zilla Panchayat

The official functionaries of the Zilla Panchayat are headed by a Chief

Executive Officer (CEO), who is not below the rank of the Deputy Commissioner

of a district (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 198). If a suitable officer

not below the rank of the DC of a district is not available for appointment as CEO

of the Zilla Panchayat, the Government may for a period of three years, that is,

from the date of commencement of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Amendment)

Act 1998, appoint an Officer of the Karnataka Administrative Service (Selection

Grade) or an Officer belonging to the Development and Local Government Branch

of the Karnataka General Services holding a post in a Grade equal to that of the

Karnataka Administrative Service (Selection grade) as CEO of the ZP (Karnataka

Panchayati Raj Act 1993 (inserted by Act No. 29 of 1998, with effect from

24.11.98).

The CEO shall be assisted by a Chief Accounts Officer, Chief Planning

Officer and one or more Deputy Secretaries (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993,

Sec. 196(2)). The Government shall post from time to time to work under every ZP

such number of other officers and officials of the State Government (including any

officers and officials appointed to such services from amongst persons employed

by existing local authorities) and officers of the All India service as the

Government considers necessary (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec.

196(3)). However, the Government has power to effect transfer of the officers and

officials so posted either within the district or from one district to another district

(Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 196(4)).

The Organizational Structure of the Zilla Panchayat is illustrated in Figure

3.13.

Under Section 197(1) of the KPR Act 1993, subject to the general powers of the

Adhyaksha under section 193, the CEO shall perform the following functions.

a) Exercise all powers specially imposed or conferred upon him by or

under this Act or under any other law for the time being in force.


95

b) Control the officers and officials of, or holding office under, the ZP

subject to the general superintendence and control of the Adhyaksha and

such rules as may be prescribed.


96

Figure 3.13, Organizational Chart of Zilla Panchayat

Council

Secretary

Deputy Secretary-1

(Administration)

Deputy Secretary-2

(Development)

Chief Executive Officer

Project Director

DRDA)

Chief Planning

Officer

Chief Accounts

Officer

President / Vice President

District heads

of functional

Departments

Accounts

Officer

Accounts

Officer

Statistical

Officer

Manpower and Credit

Planning Officer

Assistant

Secretary

Project Appraisal and Evaluation Officer

Regional

Planner


97

c) Supervise and control the execution of all works of the ZP.

d) Take necessary measures for the speedy execution of all works and

developmental schemes of the ZP.

e) Have custody of all papers and documents connected with the

proceedings of the meetings of the ZP and its Committees.

f) Draw and disburse money out of the ZP fund.

g) Exercise such other powers and discharge such other functions as may

be prescribed.

The CEO attends every meeting of the ZP and has the right to attend the

meeting of any Committee thereof and to take part in the discussion. But he has no

right to move any resolution or to cast his vote. He has to advise the Adhyaksha,

Upadhayaksha and other Committees of ZP as per the provisions of the KPR Act,

1993 and rectify the mistakes if any, committed by the Adhyaksha or

Upadhyaksha or Committee by giving proper advice and suggestions (Karnataka

Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 197(2)).

The Chief Accounts Officer shall advise the ZP in the matters of financial

policy and shall be responsible for all matters relating to the accounts of the ZP

including the preparation of the annual accounts and budget (Karnataka

Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 197(4) and (5)). The Chief Accounts Officer shall

ensure that no expenditure is incurred except under proper sanction and in

accordance with this Act. He disallows any expenditure not warranted by the Act

or for which there is no provision made in the budget. The Deputy Secretary shall

assist the CEO in the performance of his duties (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act

1993, Sec. 197(6)).

The CEO may ask in writing, the money, accounts, records and so on,

pertaining to a Grama Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat or ZP to handover or deliver to

him or to any person authorized in the requisition to receive the same. The CEO

may also take steps to recover the money due by such person as per the Karnataka

Land Revenue Act 1964, for the recovery of the arrears of land revenue from


98

defaulters; and for the purpose of recovering the accounts, records or other

property appertaining to the Grama Panchayat or Taluk Panchayat or ZP may issue

a search warrant and exercise all such powers with respect thereto as may lawfully

be exercised by a Magistrate under the provisions of Chapter VII of the Code of

Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Every person knowing where any moneys, accounts, records or other

property appertaining to a Grama Panchayat or Taluk Panchayat or Zilla

Panchayat are concealed shall be bound to give information of the same to the

CEO. An appeal shall lie from the orders of the CEO to the Government

(Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 198).

3.21.4. Taluk Panchayat Samiti in Mysore District

The Taluk Panchayat Samiti of Mysore district has 208 members, of whom

171 are elected members. While 3 members are nominated from among the

members of the Parliament, 8 members are nominated from the State Legislative

Assembly. Nine of the members are from the members of the Council of State and

from the members of State Legislative Council. Seventeen of the members are the

presidents of the grama panchayats of the district (Table 3.16).

Table 3.16, Members of Taluk Panchayat Samitis in Mysore District

1. Elected members 171

2. Loka Sabha members 03

3. State Legislative Assembly members 08

4. Members of Council of States and Members

of State Legislative Council

09

5. Presidents of Grama Panchayats 17

Total 208



99

In the quota of seats for Taluk Panchayat Samitis, there are 82 males and 89

females. The SC gets a quota of 34 seats, of which 15 are for males and 19 are for

females. The ST category has a quota of 26, with 12 males and 14 females. In the

two categories, reservation is in favour of women candidates for membership. In

other categories of communities, backward community A gets a quota of 12 males

and 8 females whereas backward community B gets just one male and 2 females.

The quota for general category is the largest, with 42 males and 46 females for

membership (Table 3.17).

Table 3.17, Reservation of seats in Taluk Panchayat Samitis

Category Male Female

SC 15

(18.29)

19

(21.35)

ST 12

(14.63)

14

(15.73)

BCM (A) 12

(14.63)

08

(8.99)

BCM (B) 01

(1.21)

02

(2.25)

General 42

(51.21)

46

(51.68)

Total 82

(100)

89

(100)

Source: Zilla Panchayat, Mysore

3.21.5. Staff of Taluk Panchayat Samitis

The State Government shall appoint a Group „A‟ Officer of the State Civil

Services of or equal to the rank of the Assistant Commissioner to be the Executive

Officer of the Taluk Panchayat. The Government shall post from time to time to

work under every Taluk Panchayat such number of officers and officials of Group

„A‟ or „B‟ or „C‟ or „D‟ services of the State to serve under the Taluk Panchayat as

Government considers. However, the Government has power to effect transfer of

the officers and officials posted either within the Taluk or from one Taluk to

another Taluk (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 155).


100

The distribution of elected members of the Taluk Panchayati Samitis is as

shown in Table 3.19. Overall, there is a total of 171 members, of whom 82 are

men and 89 are women. Women members dominate the Samitis in all taluks

except Periyapatna where there is an equal number of men and women members

(10 each). Mysore taluk has 14 male and 15 female members, while Nanjangud

and T. Narasipura taluks have 12 men and 13 women each as members. K.R.

Nagara taluk has 9 men and 12 women members.

Table 3.18, Distribution of Elected Members

of Taluk Panchayati Samitis

Taluks Male Female Total

H.D. Kote 10 13 23

Hunsur 10 11 21

K.R. Nagara 9 12 21

Mysore 14 15 29

Nanjangud 12 13 25

Periyapatna 10 10 20

T. Narasipura 12 13 25

District 82 89 171


The Organizational structure of the Taluk Panchayat Samiti is illustrated in

Figure 3.17. The number of Panchayat Extension Officers, Junior Engineers, First

Division Assistant (FDA) Programme Assistants and Second Division Assistant

(SDA), are subject to variations in the workloads of the Taluk Panchayat. The

provisions of Section 197(1) (a) to (g) and 2 and Section 198(1) (2) (3) and (4)

apply mutatis mutandis in respect of function of Executive Officer and his right to

requisition records (within his territorial jurisdiction), except the provision

wherein an appeal shall lie from an order of Executive Officer to CEO (Karnataka

Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 156 (1) a to g).


101

The Executive Officer shall on behalf of the Taluk Panchayat and the CEO

shall on behalf of the Zilla Panchayat execute contract or agreement in respect of

matters, which they are empowered to carry out under the provision of this Act.

Each of them may execute such contract or agreement up to such amount of value

of contract or agreement as specified by the Government from time to time. In all

other cases, the Executive Officer or CEO shall execute contract or agreement

only with the sanction of the Taluk Panchayat or Zilla Panchayat as the case may

be. Every contract or agreement entered into shall be binding only if the said

contract or agreement is executed in accordance with the provisions of this Act

(Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 154 and 195).

Figure 3.14, Organizational Chart of Taluk Panchayat Samiti

3.21.6. Grama Panchayats

As seen from Table 3.19, there are overall 2,527 and 1,773 seats reserved

for men and women, respectively, for the Grama Panchayats of the district of

Mysore. The largest number of seats reserved is for the General category with 828

for men and 527 for women. Backward community category A gets the next

Accounts supt. Manager Asst.

Director

(Akshar

Dasoha)

Executive Officer

Backward class

Extension

officer


Accounts Clerk Steno

Programme

Asst.

FDAs

SDAs

Typist

Drivers

Group D

Taluk

Planning

Officer

Panchayat

Extension

Officer


102

largest number of seats reserved for their members, with 697 for men and 470 for

women. While the Scheduled castes get 522 seats for men and 383 seats for

women reserved, the Scheduled tribes get 306 for men and 314 for women.

Backward community category B gets the least representation with 174 seats

reserved for men and 79 seats reserved for women members. There are similar

reservations for the post of Adhyakshas and Upadhyakshas, with 151 for men and

84 for women for Adhyakshas and 163 for men and 72 for women for

Upadhyakshas. There are variations in the number of seats reserved for men and

women of the taluks in regard to these positions and they are given in Table 3.19.

Table 3.19, Reservation of Seats and Office of Ahyaksha and Upadhyaksha

in Grama Panchayats of Mysore District

Catergory Seats Adhyaksha Upadhyaksha

SC 522 383 24 16 32 12

ST 306 314 13 04 28 08

BCM (A) 697 147 32 18 33 16

BCM (B) 194 79 28 10 18 06

General 828 527 54 36 52 30

Total 2,527 1,773 151 84 163 72


3.21.7. Staff of Grama Panchayat

Every Grama Panchayat shall have a Panchayat Development Officer

(PDO) who shall be an officer of the Government and shall draw his salary and

allowances from the Zilla Panchayat fund. The PDO shall perform all the duties

and exercise all the powers imposed or conferred upon him by or under this Act or

any rules or byelaws made thereunder (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec.

111 (1) and (2)). The organization structure of the Gram Panchayat is given in

Figure 3.19 below.


103

Figure 3.15, Organizational Chart of Grama Panchayat

The Government may, by order, specify the staffing pattern, the scales of

pay and mode of recruitment of staff of Grama Panchayats. The Grama Panchayat,

after the appointment of employees, shall submit the list of such employees for

approval to the CEO with their designation and salaries and allowances payable to

them for carrying out the duties imposed upon the Grama Panchayat by or under

this Act (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 111 (1) and (2)). In making

appointments, the appointing authority shall reserve posts for the SC, ST and other

socially and educationally backward classes of citizens in the same manner and to

the same extent as is applicable for the recruitment to posts in the State Civil

Services (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 113(1)).

The PDO may, by order, fine, suspend or withhold the increment of any

employee appointed by the Gram Panchayat (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993,

Sec. 113(3)). The Grama Panchayat may also reduce in rank, remove or dismiss

any employee appointed by it (Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 113(2)). .

However, an appeal shall lie against an order passed by the PDO Section 113(2) to

the Executive Officer and against an order passed by the Grama Panchayat under

Bill collector

Grama Sabha


Water man Secretary

Panchayat Development

Officer

Panchayat

Council

Clerk Peon

Ward Sabha Standing committees


104

Section 113(3) to the CEO, and whose decision shall be final (Karnataka

Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 113(3). Sections 112 and 113 of Karnataks

Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 have been considered as important provisions which

require some discussion. Under section 111 of KPR Act, 1993 every Gram

Panchayat shall have a PDO who shall be an officer of Government. It is for the

smooth and effective administration of Grama Panchayat a provision for PDO has

been provided. However in practice all the Grama Panchayats does not have PDO

(Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 112 and 113, (111 of KPR Act 1993)).

Based on the information collected from the Grama Panchayats in 2010, there are

only 123 PDOs in position for the sanctioned posts of 235. Those in position now

also officiate for the other Grama Panchayats where the position is vacant.

Likewise, there are only 159 of the Full Time Secretaries are in position in the 235

Grama Panchayats whereas the responsibilities in 76 Grama Panchayats where the

full time secretaries are not in position are being looked after by those in service.

Of the Grade I and Grade II secretaries in the 235 Grama Panchayats, 171 are of

Grade I and 94 are of Grade II positions. Even here, only 72 of the Grade I

secretaries and 87 of the Grade II secretaries are in position. The rest – 69 of

Grade I and 7 of Grade II – are vacant while the responsibilities for the Grama

Panchayats with vacancies are being shared by those in position.

The Grama Panchayats, with the approval of the CEO, have been permitted

to appoint the following personnel and pay their salaries from the Grama

Panchayat funds for carrying out the duties imposed upon the Grama Panchayat by

or under the Act. They are: Bill collectors, attenders, pumpset mechanics and

sweepers. Each Gram Panchayat is empowerd however to appoint only one bill

collector and, usually, the CEO grants approval for such an appointment. Yet, in

some Grama Panchayats, there are two bill collectors on the job, at the same time.

This is a clear violation of the directions issued by ZP (as verified from the

personal dialogues with the officials while in field work).


105

Generally, in appointing any of the above officials, the PDO, the

Adhayaksha and Upadhyaksha of a Grama Panchayat play a vital role. It is sort of

a blank cheque issued to the personnel to make appointments to the above posts.

The only saving clause is the approval of the CEO. However, in the absence of a

specific provision, the SC, ST and backward classes have been ignored very much

in the appointments to the posts of bill colltectors, attenders and pumpset

mechanics. Further, there is no uniformity in their salaries. It is dependent on the

income of the Grama Panchayats.

As per Rule 4 of the Karnataka Panchayati Raj (Application of Grama

Panchayat Fund) Rules 1994, the Grama Panchayat may, within the budget

provision, shall incur the expenditure from the Grama Panchayat Fund and the

supply of clothing for Grama Panchayat employees is analogous to Group „D‟

officials of the Government, in accordance with the rules for the time being in

force for supply of uniforms to such officials. However, in practice, no Grama

Panchayat is providing uniforms or allowance to it.

Conclusion

It is clear from the above, that the PRIs were in existence in Mysore

District ever since the sixth century A.D. However, in Mysore, these institutions

have taken concrete shape during the British period. The Maharaja of Mysore

were generous and highly progressive who wanted always to keep Mysore in front

row of developments. This resulted in enactment of various Acts, Regulations and

also appointment of various committees to establish and further the improvements

of these institutions for providing better civic facilities to the people.

However, in the postcolonial period under the Village Panchayats and

Local Boards Act 1959, and under the Karnataka Zilla Parishad, Taluk Panchayat

Samitis, Mandal Panchayats and Nyaya Panchayats Act, 1983, the PRIs in Mysore

District have performed their functions satisfactorily. However under the KPR


106

Act, 1993, after the PRIs have obtained the constitutional status, the performance

of these institutions is said to be tremendous. But in spite of all these concrete

shape and firm footings of these institutions, there are lots of developmental works

to be achieved at the Grama Panchayat levels. It is at this stage the Grama

Panchayat officials and non-officials should perform their functions to the

maximum extent and win the confidence of the people over these institutions. In

this respect the people at the Grama Panchayat level should be educated as far as

their duties towards the Grama Panchayats is also very important financially

source, in executing the developmental work in the Grama Panchayat area.


107

References

Census of India (2001), Series 30, Karantaka, Paper-1 of 2001, Publication by

Director of census operation, Karnataka, Bangalore: 39.

District at a Glance 2009-10, Mysore District.

Gazetteer of India, Karnataka (1988), State, Mysore District, Government of

Karnataka Publication, Bangalore: 2.

Gazetteer of India, Karnataka (1988), State, Mysore District: 589, 591, 615, 622-

623.

Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993 (inserted by Act No. 29 of 1998, w.e.f.

24.11.98).

Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 111 (1) and (2)

Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 112 (1) and (2)

Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 112 and 113, (111 of KPR Act 1993)

Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 113(1)



Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 154 and 195

Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 155

Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 156 (1) a to g





Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 197(4) and (5)


Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act 1993, Sec. 198

Documents

A PROFILE OF MYSORE DISTRICT - Information and …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/35946/8...A PROFILE OF MYSORE DISTRICT 3.1. Introduction Mysore District is situated in