DECENTRALISED PLANNING IN KOTTAYAM …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/15784/12/12...134 and around the town are engaged in the processing of rubber and manufacturing of

CHAPTER 4

DECENTRALISED PLANNING IN KOTTAYAM DISTRICT: AN OVERVIEW

OF FUND UTILISATION

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The name Kottayam is said to have come from 'Kotta Akam' in Malayalam,

meaning 'inside the fort'. The Rajas of Thekkumkur, an independent little

kingdom, to which Kottayam area belonged, ruled their domain from a

location in the present day Kottayam called Thazhathangadi. When, in the

mid-Eighteenth century, Marthanda Varma of Travancore annexed

Thekkumcore, Kottayam area, along with the areas of the rest of what is

today's Kottayam District, became part of the Kingdom of Travancore

(later to be the Princely State of Travancore under the British). After Indian

independence, Kottayam eventually became the headquarters of the present

Kottayam District.

Kottayam is located in the south-central half of Kerala state.

Kottayam is an important trading center of commercial crops and a

publishing centre in Kerala. Extensive cultivation of rubber trees in Kerala,

especially in vast areas of Kottayam District, in small and large plantations

as well as in small lots and even in many housesyards, has made Kottayam

a major trading place of natural rubber in India. The town has been in the

forefront of modern education in Kerala from the nineteenth century.

Kottayam is considered to be part of the midlands of Kerala, and the

climate is also pretty moderate. Quite fittingly, The Rubber Board, a body

set up by the Indian government for the development of rubber industry is

located at Kottayam. A number of small and medium-sized enterprises in

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and around the town are engaged in the processing of rubber and

manufacturing of rubber products. Besides rubber, Kottayam is also a trading

place of other commercial crops grown in the district and neighbouring areas.

Kottayam was known as an educational hub in the state, and still has a niche for

itself in the field of education. In 1989, Kottayam became the first fully literate

municipal town in India. The grama panchayats of Kottayam and the

development programmes initiated are discussed below.

Fund Utilisation

Before the IX plan, grama panchayats could not undertake many

projects due to lack of funds and resources. In the IX plan, 40 per cent of

the state plan funds were handed over to the three – tier panchayats. This

gave a boost to local developmental efforts through people’s participation.

There was much enthusiasm among the people at the bottom of the social

pyramid to participate in the planning process and get benefits.

Vaikom Block

Before getting into the utlisation of funds allotted to the Panchayats,

a brief overview of each panchayat can be done.

Maravanthuruth Grama Panchayat

Maravanthuruth grama panchayat is situated on the shores of

Vembanad Lake and is surrounded on two sides by rivers. Some area of the

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panchayat is lake and the land area covers 1942.2 hectares. Of this, 696.8

hectares are paddy fields, 984.8 hectares are homestead lands and 283.6

hectares are purampoke lands.The alluvial soil and humus deposited by the

Muvattupuzha river have made the area very fertile. The climate is

favorable for the cultivation of several crops like rice, coconut trees,

bananas, tapioca, vegetables, etc. The most important crops are rice and

coconuts.

The panchayat area can be divided into four water shed zones –viz

Koodavattom, Kadookkara, Kulasekharamangalam and Thurithumma. 60 per

cent of the population of the panchyath at the time of the IX plan

commencement were below poverty line category. It is clear that a major part

of the fund (81.24 percent) was allotted for general plan activities. Fund

allocated for SCP (Special Component Plan) and TSP (Tribal Sub Plan) are

only 18.76 per cent of the total allocated fund.The panchayat has no allocation

for TSP from the Plan fund.

Chembu Grama Panchayat

Located in the lowlands of Kottayam district, Chempu Grama

Panchayat had been facing several problems earlier. As the area in general

is water – logged and is surrounded by backwaters and canals, fishing, coir

– making and agriculture have been the chief sectors where people of the

panchayat depended on for livelihood. Majority of the people belong to

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BPL sections, having little land. The 9th plan was implemented at a time

when several problems were facing the economy. The financial and other

assistance provided by the government through decentralised planning

helped the panchayat in solving several problems and tackling many

others. Though full success cannot be claimed, satisfactory achievements

were made during the plan period.

Thalayaazham Grama Panchayat

The economy of Thalayaazham grama panchayat is largely

dependent on the agricultural sector. Rice and coconut are the important

crops. Rice cultivation had been adversely affected by floods, water

infusion, lack of clean water, logging, soil – filling of paddy fields, low

price of paddy, weeds, etc. Coconut trees were affected by plant diseases.

Sales price of coconuts was low at the time of the IX plan.Scarcity of

drinking water was very severe, when the IX plan started.

In the case of women, there were a number of problems facing

them. Though physical torture of women had not been reported, women in

general were psychologically tortured by men and society in general. They

were economically exploited, were ignored, their unseen work was not

recognised and were held inferior to men. Their status in society and in the

family was rather low. Alcoholic husbands made matters worse. Water

pollution had been causing environmental problems. Transportation

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facilities were inadequate. It was under such circumstances that the IX

plan arrived with grass-root level planning.

T.V Puram Grama Panchayat

Being situated in the west coastal area of north Travancore and near

Cochin region, the rural agriculture economy of T.V.Puram grama

panchayat, has been historically dependent on agriculture, fisheries, animal

husbandry and traditional cottage industries. Though three sides of

T.V.Puram panchayat region are bounded by water of Vembanad Lake and

Moovattupuzha river, usable water is scarce here. This is due to several

reasons. Canals and other water ways are filled with water-weeds like '

African paayal', pola, etc. This causes pollution of water. Latrines with no

septic tanks, empty excreta into the backwaters of the area, thereby causing

the growth of germs and infections and diseases. This had been affecting

health in the densely populated coastal areas.

Udayanapuram Grama Panchayat

Surrounded by Muvattupuzha river and Maravanthuruthu in North,

Thalayolaparambu Panchayat in East, Kariyaar and Vaikom Municipality

in South and Vembanad Lake in West, Udayanapuram is mainly dependent

on agriculture. 60 per cent of the population is engaged in agriculture and

allied occupations. 250 households were doing dairy farming under 4 milk-

producers’ co-operative societies. 30 households used to manufacture

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pottery products. About 2,000 people were working in the coir industry

under 6 coir co-operative societies. 80 per cent of the population were

living below poverty level during the IX plan.

Vechoor Grama Panchayat

Situated in the lowlands of the district, this panchayat is largely an

agrarian area, with fishing an important occupation of the people. Rice,

coconut and fish are the main sources of income for the people.

Agriculture, livestock rearing and fishing are the three main economic

activities having more or less equal importance. When the IX plan started,

all these three sectors were experiencing problems and hurdles and the

economy was in a poor shape.

In the background of the discussion about the profile of Panchayats

in Vaikom Block, the efficiency in fund utilisation can be looked into.

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Extent of utilisation

Table 4.1 shows the extent of fund utilisation among the panchayats

in Vaikom Block.

Table 4.1

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Vaikom Block During the IX plan

Sl.No. Block Panchayat Receipts Expenditure Percentage

of utilisation

1 Vaikom

1 Chempu 16880370 16035630 94.99

2 Maravanthuruth 27366142 14406780 52.64

3 Thalayaazham 18542078 16059779 86.61

4 T.V.Puram 15789750 13162778 83.36

5 Udayanapuram 24204000 22350919 92.3

6 Vechoor 15356127 12837859 83.6

Source: Survey Data

As far as Vaikom Block is concerned Maravanthuruth had the

lowest utilisation of fund with 52.64 per cent; the highest utilisation was

noticed in Chembu Panchayat. Five out of six panchayats had utilised more

than 80 per cent of the fund received by them and two of them had utilised

more than 90 per cent.

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Erattupetta Block

Erattupetta Grama Panchayat

Situated in the eastern region of Kottayam district in the foot hills

of the Western Ghats, this panchayat, where two rivers meet to form

the Meenachil River, has been a trading centre from early days. Traders

settled down at the confluence of the rivers, as transportation of goods was

via canoes and rafts. The market town grew with high density of

population, which was 3,380/sq km in 1991. Population in 1991 was

more than 30,000 within the limited area of 7.5 sq km. Floating

population coming for trade also is substantial, requiring more attention

from the local self-government. In addition to the local population, people

from other states in search of livelihood, appear in the town, sleeping on

shop verandhas and elsewhere. They create sanitary and other problems.

Thus, Erattupetta panchayat has certain peculiar characteristics, and so the

nature of developmental problems are somewhat different from those of the

other panchayats. About 90 per cent of the population of this town

panchayat, within a limited area of 7.5 sq.km, had been earning their

livelihood from trade and related occupations. In most other panchayats,

farmers are the majority.

Among the trading population , most are “mobile traders” who go

around the countryside and purchase agricultural produce from farmers ,

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and “instalment sales” people, who sell various consumer products by going

door- to – door, in towns and villages. People of Erattupetta town panchayat,

travel all around Kerala, from north Malabar to southern regions.

Melukaav Grama Panchayat

Situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats, this panchayat is

entirely an agrarian one without industries, except for two or three small

scale units, struggling to survive. As watering during the dry season is

important for the crops, irrigation projects were given importance in the

agricultural sector.One defect in the panchayat’s plans was the failure to

take measures to prevent soil erosion and water conservation.

Moonnilavu Grama Panchayat

Moonnilavu Grama Panchayat is situated close to Idukki District in

the north-eastern region of Kottayam District. This is a hilly area with

mountains. Majority of the population in the panchayat are dependent on

agriculture and allied occupations for the livelihood of their families. Most

of the farmers cultivate rubber, as the climate and geography of the place is

suitable for it. Other lesser crops are coconuts, arecanut, banana/ plantain,

coffee, cloves etc. for which only some land is devoted.

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Poonjar Grama Panchayat

Poonjar Grama Panchayat was formed in 1969, by bifurcating the

erstwhile Poonjar Panchayat established in 1953 and separating Thekkekara

areas.Situated in southern Kerala, mainly in the highlands near the eastern

boundary of Kottayam district, this panchayat is blessed by favourable climate

and fertile soil. The terrain is hilly or mountainous in various areas, with deep

narrow valleys in the eastern parts. The industrious people of this panchayat

have made the land rich with various plantation crops.

Poonjar Thekkekkara Grama Panchayat

This panchayat is situated in the foothills of the highland mountains

of the Western Ghats, in central Travancore midlands. This panchayat is

composed of 11 villages of mainly farmers and agricultural labourers. 86

per cent of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood. The main

source of income for the families is agriculture and allied activities. As

there are practically no industries, except saw-mills and woodworks, there

are only very few people dependent on industries.12 per cent of the people

are working in the services sector.

Theekkoy Grama Panchayat

Situated in the eastern region of Kottayam district and close to the

Idukki district, this panchayat is totally agrarian without any industries. 95

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per cent of the people are either farmers or agricultural workers. 80 per

cent of the cultivable area is under rubber. There are also farms where

mixed farming is practised. Coconut trees, nutmeg, clover, coffee, cocoa,

mango trees etc.. are grown in such farms. Rice is not cultivated due to lack

of land suitable for paddy.There is one tea factory in the panchayat area in

the co-operative sector, for which raw material (tea leaves) are brought

from the neighbouring Idukki district.

Thalanad Grama Panchayat

Situated at the eastern region of Kottayam district, bordering on

Idukki District, this grama panchayat is largely mountainous. Almost 70

per cent of the area are steep slopes. Heavy rains cause soil erosion and

landslides. Cloud bursts during rainy season also destroy crops. This

panchayat is almost completely agricultural, with no industries. Rubber is

the main crop. During the 9th plan sales price of raw rubber was very low

resulting in low income to farmers. Unemployment of the educated and

uneducated was a serious problem at that time.

Thalappalam Grama Panchayat

Vast majority of people in this panchayat depend on agriculture for

their livelihood. 90 per cent of the area of the panchayat are farmlands. 80

per cent of the land is under rubber cultivation. Only less than 10 hectares

are paddy fields.

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Thidanaadu Grama Panchayat

With an area of 37.49 sq km, this is an agrarian panchayat, without

industries. Location is in the midlands, close to the foothills of the

mountains. Agriculture and allied activities are the important sectors in the

production sector. Livestock /animal husbandry sector is another important

sector. Industrially it is a backward panchayat.


Table 4.2 shows the extent of fund utilisation among the Panchayats in

Erattupetta Block.

Table 4.2

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Erattupetta Block During the IX plan

Sl. No. Block Panchayat Receipts Expenditure Percentage

of utilisation

2 Erattupetta 7 Erattupetta 14974500 13971841 93.3 8 Melukkav 11434423 10031162 87.72 9 Moonilavu 11091443 9518024 85.8 10 Poonjar 11248500 10400998 92.4

11 Poonjar Thekkekara

16761500 15799388 94.2

12 Theekoy 10798403 9939861 92.04 13 Thalanad 10815253 9941088 91.92 14 Thalappalam 10920257 9607984 87.98 15 Thidanadu 15442000 14743865 95.4

Source : Survey Data

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It is evident from table 4.2 that all panchayats were successful in

utilising the fund transferred to them during the IX plan. The highest

utilisation was reported in Thidanadu panchayat with 95.4 per cent.It may

be noted that the lowest rate was 85.8 per cent, which itself is a satisfactory

level. While nine panchayats in the Block had utilised more than 80 per

cent, six out of nine had utilised more than 90 per cent.

Ettumanoor Block

Ettumanoor Grama Panchayat

Ettumanoor Grama Panchayat can be described as an area blessed

by nature and geography, because neither floods nor droughts cause havocs

in the region and river Meenachil constantly irrigates its farmlands.

Farming is the principal occupation of the people and the fertile soil is very

suitable for cultivation of many crops. Most of the people in this panchayat

are either farmers or agricultural labourers, depending for their livelihood

on agriculture and allied activities. There are also industries and an

industrial estate. Traditional industries are declining due to lack of markets

and other reasons. Services sector has been expanding at a faster rate in

recent times.

Aymanam Grama Panchayat

Aymanam panchayat is an agrarian village in the lowlands, with

Vembanad Lake as the western boundary. Though near Kottayam town,

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this panchayat is quite rural in features. Majority of the people are either

farmers or agricultural labourers. Since there are water bodies all around

and inside this panchayat, there are a good number of fishermen also. Main

crops cultivated are rice and coconuts. 3,500 acres are under paddy

cultivation. Of this 3,000 acres can be cultivated twice a year. Cultivation

of rice has been facing problems for a long time. Scarcity of labour and

high wage rates, plant diseases, floods, weeds, low price of paddy etc. were

problems, when the IXth plan started. About 40 per cent of the families

were living below poverty line.

Arpookara Grama Panchayat

This panchayat is an agrarian region. In the western region of the

panchayat, coming under upper Kuttanad, paddy is cultivated. In the

eastern region, crops like coconut, rubber, pepper, banana, tapioca and

vegetables are cultivated. Kottayam Medical College is situated in this

panchayat.

Athirampuzha Grama Panchayat

This panchayat’s economy is largely agricultural, with around 75

per cent of the people depending on agriculture and allied activities for

livelihood. There are also small scale industries and micro-enterprises

giving employment and income to others. The main problems in these

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production sectors were low prices of the products, high cost of production,

etc.

Kumaranalloor Grama Panchayat

Kumaranalloor grama panchayat coming under Kottayam district

panchayat and Ettumanoor block panchayat is surrounded by various

estuaries of river Meenachil and is criss- crossed by canals and river

branches, dividing the 14.06 sq km area into rice fields and coconut groves

and homesteads. Total population of the panchayat during the 1991 census

was 5,40,529. Residents include farmers, agricultural labourers, government

and semi-governmental employees, middle class people working in private

sector companies and business, merchants, unemployed youth, etc. 3,390

persons belonged to SC/ST sections. This panchayat area has witnessed many

historical events and there are legends and myths associated with this place.

This panchayat has produced many illustrious personalities in the fields of

arts, culture and renaissance. There were 4 high schools in this panchayat

during the IX plan. Two newspapers are published from the panchayat

area. Due to proximity to the Kottayam town, urbanisation of

Kumaranalloor panchayat was taking place at the time of implimentation of

the people's planning. The economy of the panchayat has agriculture and

allied activities, business and small- scale industries, as the prominent

sectors. People were 100 per cent literate.

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Neendoor Grama Panchayat

With an area of 26 sq.km., it has 12 wards. This panchayat gave

priority to the production and infrastructure sectors. In the production

sector, agriculture was given priority as this area is largely agricultural.


Tabel 4.3 shows the extent of utilisation among the panchayats

Table 4.3

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Ettumanoor Block during the IX plan


of utilisation

3 Ettumanoor

16 Aymanam 30912207 21930683 70.94

17 Ettumanoor 32016055 26919207 84.08

18 Arpookara 21930683 15047030 68.61

19 Athirampuzha 22894854 20806045 90.87

10 Kumaranallur 27700791 26281438 94.8

21 Neendoor 17880500 15985811 89.4


Table 4.3 makes it clear that two out of six panchayats had utilised

more than 90 per cent of the funds allotted to it. Two had utilised around

70 per cent. However, when it is more than 80 per cent the number of

panchayats is increased to four. On the basis of this discussion, it can be

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concluded that the performance of panchayats in Ettumanoor Block is

average only.

Kaduthuruthy Block

Kaduthuruthy Grama Panchayat

Kaduthuruthy grama panchayat is situated in north -western region

of Kottayam district and comes under Vaikom taluk.It is part of the

western lowlands and is predominantly agricultural.It has an area of 32.73

sq. km. There are 16 wards. Population in 1991 was 30,720 (M -15,209 &

F- 15,511). Agrculture is the main source of income of the people of this

panchayat. 752.406 hectares of land are under coconut tree cultivation.

859.360 hectares are devoted to rubber plantation. There were 7,087 houses

during the IX plan, of which many lacked basic facilities and comforts.

Drinking water shortage was experienced in several wards.

Kallara Grama Panchayat

Located in the lowlands of Kottayam district in Vaikom taluk,

Kallara panchayat used to be a major rice producing area with 1943

hectares of paddy fields. Gradually farmers in this panchayat, just like in

many other places in Kerala, stopped cultivating rice due to high cost of

production and little or no profit. During the IX plan about one-third of the

paddy fields were not cultivated. As adverse factors like scarcity of farm

laborers, high wages, high cost of fertilisers, inadequate marketing

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facilities etc. intensified, farmers became more and more reluctant to

cultivate land. This had been affecting the welfare of many families. It was

at such a time that the IX plan came with a lot of funds for development of

the panchayat.

Manjoor Grama Panchayat

In the entire history of Manjoor panchayat , the period between

1997-98 and 2001-02, had been exceptional wit a large number of

beneficial projects undertaken as part of the People’s Planning mode.

Infrastructure of the panchayat was improved considerably by the

construction of panchayat community hall, vegetable market, modern fish

market, Krishi Bhavan building, water supply scheme at Kanjirathanam

etc. Such achievements in the creation of social assets have made this

panchayat to record a higher level of success in the IX plan. Dairy farming

in the panchayat was provided a boost by financial assistance to buy cows,

construct cow sheds, care of calves, and establish a pasteurisation plant by

Manjoor Milk Producers Co-operative Society.

Mulakkulam Grama Panchayat

Mulakkulam is an agrarian economy. Being situated in the lowlands,

there are many paddy fields. Coconut also is an important crop here. About

1.5 km length of Muvattupuzha river flows through the northern boundary.

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Njeezhoor Grama Panchayat

Njeezhoor panchayat is located in the northern region of Kottayam

district in the midlands zone and the topography consists of hills, plains,

wetlands and paddy fields. It is an agricultural area and the people mainly

depend on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. As the

majority of farmers had stopped cultivating food crops and vegetables and

started cultivating mainly rubber and other cash crops, volatility in the

prices of rubber, coconut, cocoa, vanilla etc. affect the economy deeply.

Thalayolaparambu Grama Panchayat

Located in the western lowlands of northern parts of Kottayam

district, Thalayolaparambu grama panchayat had been neither a group of

villages, nor an urban area. With high density of population and closely-

packed houses and shops, the area was semi-urban. However, vast majority

of the population had been dependent on agriculture for livelihood.

People’s way of life had been moulded in the agrarian set up of villages in

the lowlands.This panchayat had been a land of paddy/rice, coconuts and

several cash crops. On the whole, the panchayat was an agricultural area.

Velloor Grama Panchayat

Velloor grama panchayat is situated in the northern part of Kottayam

district. Its area is 19.29 sq. km. Population was 21,884 in 1991. Density of

population was 119/sq. km. There were 12 wards at the time of the IX plan.

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This panchayat is surrounded by Thalayolaparambu, Mulanthuruthy,

Ampalloor, Cherpu, Edackattuvayal and Mulakkulam grama panchayats.

The region is irrigated and sometimes flooded by the Muvattupuzha

river flowing across it. Panchayat is predominantly agricultural. It can

boast of a very big PSU industrial unit Hindusthan Newsprint Ltd at

Velloor, which is also accused of polluting the surrounding soil and water

bodies as well as the atmosphere, by emissions of carbon dioxide etc. and

effluents, plus, coal ash.


Table 4.4 shows the extent of utilisation across various grama panchayats

during the IX plan.

Table 4.4

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Kaduthuruthy Block during the IX plan


of utilisation

4 Kaduthuruthy 22 Kaduthuruthy 26301333 24597938 93.52 23 Kallara 14266640 12536147 87.87 24 Manjoor 22651027 21880731 96.59 25 Mulakkulam 20720742 18407081 88.83 26 Njeezhoor 15468483 13894595 89.82

27 Thalayola parambu 18701046` 15651399 83.69

28 Velloor 18604084 15126680 81.3


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It is made clear by table 4.4 that the performance of all panchayats

in Kaduthuruthy block was satisfactory in terms of utilisation of funds

during IX plan period. While the highest utilisation was reported in

Manjoor, the lowest was reported in Velloor but above 80 per cent.

Kanjirappally Block

Kanjirappally Grama Panchayat

Kanjirappally grama panchayat is situated in the south–eastern part

of Kottayam district and is in the midlands. Area is 5,316.6 hectares. There

are 18 wards. Majority of the population are dependent on agriculture.

Small farmers and agricultural labourers form the largest sections.In

Kanjirappally panchayat, about 75 per cent of the cultivable land is under

rubber. The low price of rubber at that time discouraged rubber cultivation

and encouraged alternatives like banana and vegetable cultivation, teak

plantation, manchium etc. But, lack of sufficient irrigation facilities and

subsidies were discouraging factors for expansion of such crops. When

rubber cultivation became popular a few decades ago, the erstwhile

principal crop, coconut trees, were cut down for the monoculture of rubber,

where no other crops are allowed by the Rubber Board for registration and

subsidy purposes. When price of rubber remained low consecutively for

several years, farmers had started to plant coconut saplings on land cleared

off rubber trees.

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Erumely Grama Panchayat

Erumely grama panchayat is located in the south-east region of

Kottayam district, mainly in the midlands and the foothills of the Western

Ghats highlands.

Blessed by 3 rivers viz. Pampa, its tributary Azhutha and Manimala

River, flowing around substantial lengths of boundaries in the south, north

and west, the panchayat area is well-irrigated and so the soil is very

fertile.The economy of the panchayat has been heavily dependent on

agriculture, especially rubber. Trade and commerce also is active at

various centres in the panchayat. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala, being an

annual feature, has been having a positive effect on the economy of the

panchayat. The allotted amount was 91 per cent utilised for a large number

of projects in the various sectors.

Koottickal Grama Panchayat

Koottickal grama panchayat is located in the eastern region of

Kottayam district and boards on Idukki district. The area belongs to the

highlands with mountains and hills. The climate is favorable for the

cultivation of such crops like rubber, coffee and pepper. Most of the

residents are farmers or agricultural labourers, who had been facing

problems due to low sales prices of crops during the time when the IXth

plan started.The income of the panchayat was negligible earlier and

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grants from the governments were the only source of funds for

developmental activities. The decentralisation of planning and allocation

of plan funds to panchayats during the 9th plan was a blessing for

Koottickal grama panchayat also.

Manimala Grama Panchayat

Manimala panchayat is predominantly an agricultural area. Main

crop is rubber. Also cultivated are coconut trees, arecanut trees, coffee,

cocoa, pepper and vegetables. There is no paddy cultivation, the panchayat

being a hilly area. Manimala panchayat could achieve remarkable economic

and social progress during the period of people’s planning. It brought about

appreciable changes in society. Making good use of the powers and resources

made available to the panchayat people enthusiastically participated in the

development effort without sectarian prejudices and political differences.

Government officials and the general public participated in the whole

process sincerely and whole-heartedly with a sense of sincere cooperation.

Mundakkayam Grama Panchayat

Mundakkayam panchayat is situated in the foot-hills of the Western

Ghats and has also a number of mountains. The panchayat spreads over

82.67 sq.km area and includes a number of large rubber plantations,

created by the British people. Panchayat population includes a large

number of plantation workers. There is substantial number of tribal people

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also. About 40 per cent of the families are BPL. A large part of the

panchayat area is covered by the big plantations owned by companies and

individuals. The rest of the cultivated area is farmer families. Farmers and

agricultural labourers form the majority of the population. Industries have

been few here.

Parathodu Grama Panchayat

Parathodu grama panchayat is located in the eastern part of

Kottayam district. Geographically it is in the midlands with hills, valleys

and streams. It is an agricultural area with rubber as the predominant crop.

During and before the IX plan, price of rubber sheet was very low,

affecting the farmers and the economy of the Panchayat in general.

However the funds received under the decentralised IX plan helped the

panchayat to change the situation dramatically and drastically with a lot of

achievements to its credit.


Table 4.5 extent of utilisation across various grama panchayats

during the IX plan.

157

Table 4.5

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Kanjirappally Block during the IX plan


of utilisation

5 Kanjirappally

29 Kanjirappally 28359968 25739020 90.75

30 Erumeli 37511140 33174348 88.4

31 Koottical 13051642 11213806 85.91

32 Manimala 19767919 16490708 83.4

33 Mundakkayam 44579902 40122641 90

34 Parathodu 23133661 22368018 96.69


Table 4.5 makes it clear that the performance of all panchayats in

Kanjirappally Block is above satisfactory as five out of six panchayats had

utilised more than 85 per cent of the funds they received. Manimala had

utilised 83. 4 per cent of the fund received by it.

Laalam Block

Bharananganam Grama Panchayat

Bharananganam Grama Panchayat is situated in Meenachil Taluk of

Kottayam District. It is in the fertile hilly area in the midlands. Majority of

the families are farmers. Chief crop is rubber. Paddy cultivation has

become unpopular. Very little area is under rice. Industrially this panchayat

is very backward.

158

Kadanad Grama Panchayat

Kadanad Panchayat situated in the midlands at the foothills of the

highlands in the eastern region of Kottayam district is naturally an agrarian

one, with hills, plains and paddy fields lying scattered. And most of the

people are engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Industrially, this

panchayat is quite backward.Principal crop is rubber. Vanilla cultivation

had started in this area too, during the plan period

Karoor Grama Panchayat

Formed in 1953, Karoor panchayat is one of the earliest in Kerala.

The economy of this panchayat is almost totally dependent on agriculture.

Main crop is rubber. Industrially the panchayat is very backward. There are

only a few cottage industrial units and a few micro– enterprises. The low

price of agricultural produce before and during the start of the IXth plan had

impoverished the farmers. Fall in the income of the farmers led to

unemployment among agricultural labourers. Thus, the standard of living

of the majority of the population was deteriorating at that time.

Kozhuvanal Grama Panchayat

Kozhuvanal panchayat is one of the earliest panchayats formed in

Travancore. When it was formed in 1953 before the formation of Kerala

state, there were only 7 wards. Number of wards then increased to 8 and then

to 10. This panchayat comprises Kozhuvamkulam Kara of Puliyannoor

159

village, Mevida Kara of Meenachil village and some areas of

Poovaranikara. Rubber cultivation is the main occupation and source of

income of farmers of this panchayat. Livestock rearing is also a traditional

occupation of many peasant families. Traditional cottage industries had

been flourishing in and leaf-made articles were widely used earlier. But

with the arrival of modern plastic articles, traditional industries

declined.Scarcity of raw materials is also a cause.Transportation in old

days was through rivers and streams, as well as via small roads for bullock

carts. Modern roads were constructed in the panchayat only during 1940-

50 and later.Agriculture and rearing of livestock was the traditional way of

life of the people. All sorts of crops including large variety of vegetables

used to be cultivated before the arrival of rubber. After rubber plantations

covered the landscape, food crops production was abandoned by farmers.

Meenachil Grama Panchayat

Meenachil Grama Panchayat is situated in the midlands of the

Kottayam district, near Pala municipal town, and includes two villages:

Meenachil and Poovarani. Agriculture is the main occupation of the

people. Most of the population are farmers and agricultural labourers. A

small number of people are engaged in trading and very small-scale

industries.

160

Mutholy Gramapanchayat

Situated in the midland of Kottayam district, Mutholy panchayat area is

blessed by the waters of the river Meenachil and some of its tributary streams,

which keep the ground water level near the surface during the dry season.

Geographical location is favourable for the growth of vegetation and this

panchayat’s fertile soil is covered with crops, especially rubber. Being an

agricultural economy, the development of the panchayat is through agriculture

and allied activities, with little scope for industrialisation.

Extent of Utilisation

Table 4.6 shows the extent of utilisation across various grama

panchayats during the IX plan.

Table 4.6

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Laalam Block During the IX plan


of utilisation

6 Laalam

35 Bharananganam 13251500 12261439 92.52

36 Kadanad 15346750 14926773 97.26

37 Karoor 18382500 16530849 89.92

38 Kozhuvanal 11270267 11270267 100

39 Meenachil 13427750 13183841 98.18

40 Mutholy 12675500 11919068 94.03


161

It is evident from table 4.6 that excellent performance was done by

all panchayats in Laalam Block.Cent per cent utilisation of the funds was

reported in Kozhuvanal panchayat. Three panchayats are very close to this

figure and other panchayats had utilsed 90 per cent of the fund they

received.

Madappally Block

Karukachal Grama Panchayat

The larger share of land in the panchayat is devoted to cultivation of

rubber, the rest for other crops like coconuts, banana, pepper, vegetables,

tapioca etc.

Kurichy Grama Panchayat

The principal sources of income in the economy of Kurichy grama

panchayat are agriculture and related sectors, small scale industries and

labour sector. During the IXth plan the approach adopted in Kurichy

panchayat was to give priority to the agriculture and allied activities sector.

Yet it is a fact that developmental plans could not be implemented even in

the priority sector in the intended manner. The activities carried out included

irrigation of graden lands under cultivation on homestead farms,

horticulture, cultivation of medicinal herbs, use of high-yielding varieties of

rice, providing motor and related accessories for drainage of excess

water/irrigation, construction of retaining walls along waterways,

162

distribution of coconut tree saplings, application of pesitcides against the

coconut plant disease mandari, rat control etc.

Madappally Grama Panchayat

Madappally Grama Panchayat, situated in the western midlands

region of Kottayam district, a few kilometers east of Changanacherry, is an

agrarian area. Traditionally, agriculture had been the principal means of

livelihood for the villagers of the region, with emphasis on a wide variety

of crops, such as coconut, pepper, arecanut, vegetables, ginger, turmeric,

banana, plantains, rice etc. With the arrival of rubber as a profitable crop,

farmers increasingly adopted monoculture of rubber and abandoned the

multi-crops. As there were no large or medium industries, and only micro

enterprises to provide alternate employment opportunities, agriculture and

allied activities were the sources of employment for the BPL households.

Paippad Grama Panchayat

This is an agrarian panchayat in all respects. The area has extensive

paddy fields and other croplands. Being an agricultural economy, the

development of the panchayat is through agriculture and allied activities,

with little scope for industrialisation.

163

Thrikkodithanam Grama Panchayat

Thrikkodithanam Grama Panchayat is situated just east of

Changanacherry Municipality on the southern border of Kottayam district

and borders on Pathanamthitta district.

Vakathanam Grama Panchayat

Vakathanam Grama Panchayat is an agricultural area, producing

cash crops and food crops. Majority of families here are dependent on

agricultural and allied occupations. Historically, this village was famous

during the days of the little local kingdom/principality called Thekkumkoor.

Places mentioned in an old Malayalam poetic work titled ‘Unnineeli

Sandesham’, like Manikandapuram, Kadamuri, and Thrukkothamangalam

are in this panchayat area. The population consists of people belonging to

different religions, castes and other groups, yet all live in harmony and

peace. There is cooperation wherever possible.Vakathanam Grama

Panchayat could make some positive progress in the economy and society

through the formulation and execution of many projects in various sectors,

with the considerable funds allocated by the government as part of

decentralisation of powers and duties as well as resources during the IX

plan started in 1997-98.

164

Vazhappally Grama Panchayat

Situated in the south western region of Kottayam district, near

Changanacherry town, Vazhappally Panchayat is a semi-urbanised area,

with some industries and commerce. But agriculture is the predominant

activity of the people. The area has extensive paddy fields and other

croplands.


Table 4.7 shows the extent of utilisation across various Grama

Panchayats during the IX plan.

Table 4.7

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Madappally Block During the IX plan


of utilisation

7 Madappally

41 Madappally 24986021 21486394 85.9

42 Karukachal 16837457 14776555 87.7

43 Kurichy 26733705 21423368 80.13

44 Paippad 19327512 17403173 90.04

45 Trikkodithanam 22668847 19820683 87.4

46 Vakathanam 25867250 22988520 88.87

47 Vazhappally 27075183 23100459 85.31

Source : Panchayat Records

165

It is made clear by table 4.8 that all panchayats in Madappally Block

had utilsed more than 80 per cent of the funds they received. Except one all

had utilised more than 85 per cent. Hence the performance of these

panchayats was in line with the expectations in terms of fund utilisation.

Pallom Block

Ayarkunnam Grama Panchayat

This panchayat is one of the economically backward panchayats in

Kottayam district. It is predominantly an agrarian area, with no industries

except a few units producing rubber bands. The IXth plan began at a time

when agricultural sector was facing a crisis due to low prices of crops. Till

the VIIIth plan, the panchayat had been functioning with very limited

resources of taxes and fees collected by it and limited grants received from

the government. With such limited resources, substantial developmental

projects could not be undertaken earlier. The sudden allocation of large

amounts from plan funds was a revolutionary change in the functioning of

the panchayat. However, in the absence of precedents, the utilisation of the

allotted funds was inefficient in the initial stages. Later on, improvements

were made as people involved in planning and implementation gained

experience.

166

Kumarakom Grama Panchayat

Kumarakom village had tradionally been an agricultural area, before

tourism emerged as a major industry here. At the beginning of the IXth

plan in 1997, tourism had started developing, but agriculture was still

important for the majority of the families inhabiting the area. 24 per cent of

the area (1,250 hectares) is wetlands with paddy fields. About 30 per cent

is solid land and canals, covering 1,504 hectares. 46 per cent of the area

(2,423)hectares) is part of Vembanad lake.Main crops here have been rice

and coconuts. While the embankments are strengthened by planting

coconut trees, the area inside the bunds is used to cultivate rice. The

extensive Vembanad Lake in the western region of the panchayat, is a

source of fish, lime shell and clay. Many people of this panchayat earn

their livelihood by collection of these and marketing them. The

Thanneermukkom Bund had been causing problems to Vembanad Lake

and surrounding land. This bund meant to prevent entry of salt water into

the southern areas of the lake and the surrounding farmlands, has been

blocking tidal ebb and flow. The earlier ecosystem which naturally kept

the backwaters clean and healthy, was changed. As water flow is blocked,

the still water becomes, polluted with fertilisers and insecticides/pesticides

used in the paddy fields. Other pollutants also join the water. Water weeds

grow luxuriantly, covering water bodies like carpets. Fresh water fish

167

cannot grow in such polluted water and quantity of fish caught had been

declining.

Manarkad Grama Panchayat

The 74th grama panchayat in Kottayam district was formed under

the name Manarkad, by dividing the erstwhile Vijayapuram panchayat. It

came into existence on 2-10-2000 in the fourth year of the IXth plan. So,

this panchayat had only one year of annual planning.

Nattakom Grama Panchayat

Nattakom Grama Panchayat is located just south of Kottayam town.

Most areas in this panchayat are lowlands. Of the 2010 hectares of land

here about 1250 hectares are paddy fields. Of the rest, about 800 hectares

are homestead lands which are cultivated with coconuts, fruit trees, banana

and other crops.

Panachikkaad Grama Panchayat

This panchayat is predominantly agricultural. There are also

industrial and commercial activities. Panachikkaad grama panchayat is

situated south of Kottayam town on the southern side of river Kodoor. The

center of this village is famous as the southern Mookambika because of the

Saraswathi Temple dedicated to the goddess of learning and fine arts.

168

Puthuppally Grama Panchayat

This Panchayat is an agricultural area, producing cash crops and

food crops. Majority of families here are dependent on agricultural and

allied occupations. The five years of decentralised people’s planning with

participation of the people could bring about some notable changes for the

better in various sectors of the economy and society of the panchayat.

Thiruvarpu Grama Panchayat

The foundation of the economy of Thiruvarppu panchayatu is

agriculture and allied activities. The area belongs to upper Kuttanad region

and the climate is hot with high moisture. The biggest threat faced by the

lowland area is flood during rainy season causing damage to crops. During

the IX plan period the economy of the panchayat was in a depression due to

low price of agricultural produce. A large proportion of the population in this

industrially backward panchayat lives below poverty level. To solve such

problems and to accelerate development, several projects and programmes

were undertaken during the IX plan. An evaluation of the achievements and

failures of the people’s planning is given below.

Vijayapurm Gramapanchayat

Vijayapuram Grama Panchayat situated just east of Kottayam town

has lowlands with paddy fields and river as well as hilly areas. The

169

lowlands with fertile soil and irrigation water have lush vegetables and

fruit trees. Hilly elevations have laterite soil suitable for rubber, pepper,

tapioca and vegetables. Panchayat is mainly agricultural, with a few big

industrial units and also a few small-scale industries.




Table 4.8

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Pallam Block during the IX plan


of utilisation

8 Pallom

48 Ayarkunnam 25620441 23532159 91.84

49 Kumarakom 21221500 18659849 87.92

50 Manarkad 2845500 1038095 36.48

51 Nattakom 29574655 27354896 92.49

52 Panachikkad 26349740 22395161 84.99

53 Puthupally 22950709 21168424 92.23

54 Thiruvaarp 23627790 19433985 82.25

55 Vijayapuram 36756518 33736128 91.78

Source : Panchayat Records

170

Table 4.8 makes it clear that 50 per cent of the panchayats had

utilsed more than 90 per cent of the funds they received. Other panchayats

except one had utilised more than 80 per cent. The only one panchayat

which had utilsed less than 80 per cent is Manarkad. The percentage of

utilisation was 36.48 per cent only.

Pambady Block

Akalakkunnam Grama Panchayat

This is predominantly an agricultural area, with little industrial

activity. Most families are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

So, fall in the prices of agricultural products and crop failures due to plant

diseases, affect this panchayat, which was the case during the years of the

IX plan. In order to give encouragement to the agrarian sector, several

projects were formulated and implemented by the panchayat, during the IX

plan.

Ellikulam Grama Panchayat

Elikulam Panchayat was formed on Fifteenth Augest 1953. Economy

of this panchayat is dependent on agriculture. Though several projects were

formulated on the basis of the proposals made by grama sabhas, many

projects aimed at total development were not very successful, due to lack

of vision and technical expertise. Still many achievements were made

using the plan allocations.

171

Kooroppada Grama Panchayat

Situated in the midlands zone, with hilly slopes and valleys, streams

and fertile soil, Kooroppada panchayat is an agrarian one, with 50 per cent

of land under rubber. Most people are dependent on agriculture. There are

no industrial units. Commercial sector also was limited. Therefore,

sources of own incomes were limited to building tax, professional tax etc.

This had been inadequate for development projects.

Meenadom Grama Panchayat

Situated in central midlands just east of Kottayam town, Meenadom

panchayat is largely an agricultural economy, with no major industries at the

time of the IX plan. Economically it is a backward panchayat with little sources

of own income and so heavily dependent on the government for funds.

Pallickathodu Grama Panchayat

With an area of 22.46sq.km, it has the boundaries as Elikkulam

grama panchayat in north, Akalakkunnam grama panchayat in east, Vazhoor

grama panchayat in south and Kooroppada grama panchayat in west

Pampady Grama Panchayat

Pampady panchayat is largely an agricultural one.It has an area of

30 sq.km. Own sources of income from the panchayat area were limited

172

and it was difficult for the panchayat to undertake developmental works

earlier.




Table 4.9

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Pambady Block during the IX plan


of utilisation

9 Pampady

56 Pampady 22554907 19514154 86.5

57 Akalakunnam 15312370 14998832 97.95

58 Ellikulam 16277150 14845825 91.2

59 Kooropada 17042337 15230203 89.36

60 Meenadom 11010604 10508161 95.43

61 Pallikkathodu 12758695 11946121 93.63


It is clear from table 4.9 that the performance of all panchayats in

terms of fund utilisation is satisfactory as they utilised more than 85 per

cent of the funds.

173

Uzhavoor Block

Kadaplamattom Grama Panchayat

Kadaplamattom grama panchayat is an agricultural area in the

midlands zone of Kottayam district coming under the western region of

Meenachil taluk. Its 22.02 sq.km. or 2,201.67 hectares area spreads over

two villages – Kidangoor and Elakkad.Population in 1991 was 13,093 and

in 2001 were 13,997. 80 per cent of the population depend on agriculture

and related occupations for their livelihood. Of the 2201.67 hectares of

land, 84.45 hectares are used for houses, roads, etc. and not available for

cultivation. The rest of the land, 2117.23 hectares are available for

agriculture. This consists of 146 hectares of wetlands (paddy fields) and

1971.22 hectares of homestead lands. Of the paddy fields, only less than 70

hectares were utilised for rice cultivation at least once in an year.

Kaanakkari Grama Panchayat

The economy of the Kaanakkari grama panchayat is dependent

mainly on agriculture, as almost 80 per cent per cent of the population earn

their livelihood from agriculture and allied activities. There are some

small-scale and tiny industries also in the panchayat area.

174

Kidangoor Grama Panchayat

Situated in the midlands, spread over both sides of river Meenachil,

this fertile land is largely an agrarian one.75 per cent of the people are

dependent on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. There are

no large– scale industries, in this panchayat. Clay bricks production was

very active till 1999.

Kuravilangad Grama Panchayat

People of the panchayat earn their livelihood from agriculture and

allied activities. Trading also is an important occupation. There are also a

lot of people employed in the service sector.

Marangattupilly Grama Panchayat

The population of this panchayat depends on agriculture and related

occupations for their livelihood. Trading also is an important occupation.

Ramapuram Grama Panchayat

The economy of the panchayat is largely based on agriculture and

allied activities. Principal crop is rubber. The price level of raw rubber

affected the standard of living of the majority of people in this panchayat.

The IX plan began at a time when farmers were increasingly abandoning

cultivation of coconut trees, rice, vegetables, etc. and shifting to rubber

cultivation.

175

Uzhavoor Grama Panchayat

This panchayat is largely dependent on agriculture and allied

activities. The economy of this panchayat is heavily dependent on rubber.

It has 10 wards and 13 colonies.

Veliyannoor Grama Panchayat

It has an area of 19.49 sq.k.m. The Agriculture and related

occupations are predominant for their livelihood.




Table 4.10

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Uzhavur Block during the IX plan


of Utilisation

10 Uzhavoor

62 Uzhavoor 13005000 10507689 80.7

63 Kadaplamattom 12002836 10382203 86.49

64 Kanaakkari 16613065 14998047 90.27

65 Kidangoor 14794230 13138409 88.8

66 Kuravilangad 13939750 10889920 78.12

67 Marangattupilly 14737555 13903390 94.33

68 Ramapuaram 23042196 21681948 94.09

69 Veliyanoor 11256750 9747037 86.58

Source : Survey data

176

It is clear from table 4.10 that while three panchayats had utilised

more than 90 per cent of the funds they received, four panchayats had

utilised between 80 and 90 per cent. Only one panchayat had spent less

than 80 per cent, but it is 78.12 per cent.

Vazhoor Block

Chirakkadav Grama Panchayat

The economy of this panchayat is heavily dependent on agriculture.

To be accurate, economy depends on the price of raw rubber. The principal

crop in this panchayat being rubber, increases and decreases in the price

level, deeply affected the fortunes of the majority of the families. During

the IX plan, price of rubber was very low and so the economy of this

panchayat was depressed. Soil, climate, and other factors in the locality

are very conducive for the growth of rubber. High productivity of the land,

ensures good yield also. So farmers prefer this cash crop.

Kangazha Grama Panchayat

Kangazha grama panchayat area has an economy based on

agriculture. Most of the families earn their livelihood from rubber. 2500

hectares of arable land in the panchayat are in the possession of nearly

4000 households. So, most of the farmers are marginal, with less than one

hactare land. There are a large number of people belonging to this place,

who earn good income from Gulf countries and elsewhere. Contributions

177

from them to their families have been playing a crucial role in the economy

of the panchayat.

Nedumkunnam Grama Panchayat

Situated in the midlands rural area, this panchayat has an agrarian

economy. Rubber is the main crop cultivated. Industrially the panchayat is

quite backward.Though employment generation was an objective in the

agricultural sector, it cannot be claimed that more employment opportunities

were generated through the plan projects.

Vazhoor Grama Panchayat

The economy of Vazhoor panchayat is based only on the

agricultural sector.As rubber cultivation expanded, other crops were

ignored by most farmers. Even marginal land owners planted rubber trees

in their limited homestead plots.But as price of rubber had fallen very low,

farmers were in a crisis at the time of the IX plan. Many rubber planters

were in a state of despair. Though prodution of rubber had increased in the

area, no rubber-based industrial unit came up. Though some micro and

small-scale industries were started in the panchayat at various times, most

could not survive due to lack of market. Locally - made products could not

compete with the branded products of big companies.Inadequate training of

industrial people and investment limits, marketing problems, etc. were

factors inhibiting industrialisation in the panchayat. Though there was

178

unemployment among educated youngsters, nobody was willing to work in

the agricultural field. There was scarcity of farm labourers and wages had

gone up.

Vellavoor Grama Panchayat

Located in the midlands, covering an area 13 km in length,

Vellavoor grama panchayat consists of hills, rock formations, rice fields,

valleys and streams. Main crop is rubber.

Extent of Utilisation


Panchayats during the IX plan in Vazhoor Block.

Table 4.11

Extent of utilisation across various Grama Panchayats in Vazhoor Block during the IX plan


of utilisation

11 Vazhoor

70 Vazhoor 14473523 8687916 60.03

71 Chirakkadavu 25179250 24342109 96.6

72 Kangazha 14059685 12030348 85.5

73 Nedukunnam 15456322 12331955 79.78

74 Vellavoor 13129740 10794319 82.21

Source: Computed from Panchayat Data

179

Table 4.11 shows that only one panchayat in Vazhoor Block had

utilised more than 90 per cent and only one panchayat had utilised a mere

60 per cent. The rest had a utilisation of 80 per cent. It means that the

performance of these panchayats in terms of fund utilisation can be rated as

average.

Tables 4.1 to 4.11 show that most of the Panchayats utilised the

lion’s share of the funds allotted to them. The main observation that is

deduced from the above tables is that there are wide differences in the

utilsation of funds across panchayats. Hence the detailed analysis is done in

the following tables.

Detailed Analysis

Table 4.12 shows the number and name of panchayats which utilised

more than 90 per cent of the funds allotted to them.

180

Table 4.12 The Panchayats which utilised more than 90 per cent of allocation

Sl No. Block Panchayth Percentage of Utilisation 1 Vaikom 1.Chempu 94.99 2 Erattupetta 2.Erattupetta 93.3 3.Poonjar 92.4 4.Poonjar Thekkekara 94.2 5.Theekoy 92 6.Thalanad 91.9 7.Thidanadu 95.4 3 Ettumanoor 8.Athirampuzha 90.8 9.Kumaranalloor 94.8 4 Kaduthuruthy 10.Kaduthuruthy 93.5 11.Maanjoor 96.5 5 Pallom 12.Ayarkunnam 91.8 13.Puthupally 92.2 14.Vijayapuram 91.7 6 Pambady 15.Akalakunnam 97.95 16.Elikkulam 91.2 17.Meenadom 95.4 18.Pallikkathode 93.63 7 Uzhavoor 19.Kannakari 90.27 20.Ramapuram 94.04 21.Marangattupilly 8 Madappally 22.Paippad 90.04 9 Vazhoor 23.Chirakkadavu 96.67

10 Kanjirappally 24.Kanjirappally 90.75 25.Mundakkayam 90.0 26.Parathode 96.69

11 Lallom 27.Bharananganam 92.52 28.Kadanad 97.52 29.Kozhuvanal 100 30.Meenachil 98.1 31.Mutholy 94.03

Source : Computed from Data

181

Table 4.12 shows that 30 Panchayats (out of 74 Panchayats) had

spent more than 90 per cent of the funds allotted to them. While

Mundakkayam utilised 90.0 per cent of the fund, Kozhuvanal spent 100 per

cent of the allocation during the decentralised period. Table 4.13 gives the

number and names of panchayats which utilised more than 80 per cent, but

less than 90 per cent.

Table 4.13 The Panchayats which utilised between 80 and 90 per cent

Sl No. Block Panchayat Percentage of utilisation1 Erattupetta

1 Melukkav 87.72 2 Moonilavu 85.8 3 Thalappalam 87.98

2 Ettumanoor 4 Ettumanoor 84.08 5 Neendoor 89.4

3 Kaduthuruthy 6 Kallara 87.87

7 Mulakkulam 88.83 8 Njeezhoor 89.82

9

Thalayola parambu

83.69

10 Velloor 81.3 4 Pallom 11 Kumarakom 87.92

12 Panachikkad 84.99 13 Thiruvaarp 82.25

5 Pampady 14 Pampady 15 Kooropada 89.36

6 Uzhavoor 16 Uzhavoor 80.7 17 Kadaplamattom 86.49 18 Kidangoor 88.8 19 Veliyanoor 86.58

182

7 Madappally 20 Madappally 85.9 21 Karukachal 87.7

22 Kurichy 80.13 23 Trikkodithanam 87.4 24 Vakathanam 88.87 25 Vazhappilly 85.31 8 Vazhoor

26 Kangazha 85.5 27 Vellavoor 82.21

9 Kanjirappally 28 Erumeli 88.4 29 Koottickal 85.91 30 Manimala 83.4

10 Laalam 31 Karoor 89.92

11 Vaikom 32 Thalayaazham 86.61 33 T.V.Puram 83.36 34 Vechoor 83.6

Source: Computed from Data

There are 34 Panchayats which utilised 80 to 90 per cent of their

receipts for various categories of expenditure. There is more consistency

than the previous table in terms of utilisation as far as this group is

concerned.The lowest extent of utilisation is reported by Kurichy with

80.13 per cent and the highest is 89.92 per cent by Karoor. In short, 34

panchayats had utilsed more than 80 per cent of allocation made to them.

Table 4.14 shows the percentage utilisation between 70 and 80 per cent.

183

Table 4.14

The Panchayats which utilised between 70 and 80 per cent

Block Panchayth Percentage

of utilisation

1 Ettumanoor

1 Aymanam 70.94

2 Vazhoor

2 Nedukunnam 79.78

3 Uzhavoor

3 Kuruvilangadu 78.12


Only three Panchayats have utilised between 70 and 80 per cent of

the receipts for various purposes. The extent of utilisation varies from

70.94 to 79.78 per cent.Table 4.15 shows the utilisation range between 60

and 70 per cent.

Table 4.15


Sl.No. Block Panchayat Percentage of utilisation

1 Ettumanoor

1 Arpookkara 68.61

2 Vazhoor

2 Vazhoor 60.03

Source : Computed from Data

184

Table 4.15 reveals that there are two panchayats which have utilised

in the range of 60 to 70 per cent of receipts for various expenditure

purposes. It means that 69 panchayats have spent more than 60 per cent of

the funds allocated to them. It comes to 55.40 per cent of the total number

of panchayats.It cannot be considered as a satisfactory result. Further

desegregation of the extent of utilisation is given in table 4.16

Table 4.16


Sl.No. Block Panchayat Percentage

of utilisation

1 Pallom

1 Manarkadu 36.48


Table 4.16 gives the data regarding the utilisation in the range of

more than 10 per cent but less than 60 per cent. There is only one

panchayat that comes in the range of 50 per cent. One panchayat comes

under the range of 10-60 per cent of utilisation. Manarkadu panchayat of

Pallom Block has only utilised 36 percent of the allotted fund.

In that respect 69 panchayats which utilised more that 60 per cent

comes to 93.24 per cent. It means that 93 per cent of panchayats had

utilised more than 60 per cent of their receipts. It is really an achievement.

185

In the next section we analyse the performene of different blocks in

utilising funds.

Block - wise analysis of utilisation of funds

As there are eleven blocks in Kottayam district, the performances in

terms of fund utilisation of each block in the district, are given in table 4.17.

Table 4.17

Block - wise analysis of utilisation of funds

Sl.No. Block Percentage of utilisation

1 Ettumanoor 82.81 2 Erattupetta 91.6 3 Kaduthuruthy 89.31 4 Pallom 87.82 5 Pampady 97.67 6 Vazhoor 82.85 7 Kanjirappally 89.6 8 Laalam 94.94 9 Madappally 86.24 10 Uzhavoor 88.15 11 Vaikom 80.29

The table above shows the utilisation of funds by the different

blocks in Kottayam District. All blocks have utilised more than 80 per cent

of the funds allotted to them. Laalam block is the highest in terms of

utilisation as it utilised about 94.94 percent of its fund. Lowest is reported

in Vaikom block, where it is 80.29 percent.

186

To conclude, on an average, 88 percent of the funds was utilised by

the Blocks in the district. It means that the performance in terms of fund

utilisation is satisfactory. On the basis of this, one jump to the conclusion

that the decentralised palnning was successful in Kottayam District. The

nature and composition of fund utilisation are the other two aspects to be

considered, so as to evaluate the sucess of the people’s plan programme. In

other words, a concrete conclusion can be made only on the basis of

category-wise and sector-wise performances which are discussed in the

ensuing chapters.

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DECENTRALISED PLANNING IN KOTTAYAM …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/15784/12/12...134 and around the town are engaged in the processing of rubber and manufacturing of