Idukki: Visitors to Thodupuzha and Kattappana often wonder why a block panchayat office operates inside a municipality. Does a municipality come under the jurisdiction of a block panchayat? The short answer is no, but the geography of these towns has created a curious administrative overlap.

Both Thodupuzha and Kattappana host block panchayat offices well within municipal limits, a setup that has existed for more than six decades. In Thodupuzha, the office stands just two kilometres from the municipal office; Kattappana presents a similar picture. Although the block panchayat has virtually no authority over municipal affairs, its governing committee-the middle tier in the three-tier panchayat system- continues to function from within municipal boundaries.

The arrangement dates back to 1958, when the block development office was established. It later became a block panchayat office in 1995 following the introduction of the Panchayat Raj Act. Thodupuzha, once a panchayat itself, was upgraded to a municipality almost 40 years ago.

The Thodupuzha block panchayat covers Purappuzha, Manakkadu, Karimkunnam, Muttam, Kumaramangalam and Idavetty panchayats, all of which border the municipality. The office operates from a 2.5-acre plot at Kolany along Pala Road. Kattappana block panchayat, meanwhile, comprises Upputhara, Ayyappankovil, Kanjiyar, Irattayar, Vandanmedu and Chakkuppallam panchayats.

What’s the role of a block panchayat?

Each local body election revives questions about the responsibilities of block panchayats. They have limited interaction with people and wield little direct power. Many projects are implemented through self-help groups and joint liability groups. People rarely need to engage directly with block panchayats.

Frequently asked questions about block panchayats

Q. What are the main responsibilities?
A. Extending technical assistance to panchayats and implementing various Centrally-administered projects such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme and housing schemes.

Q. What are the sources of revenue for block panchayats?
A. They have no independent funds. They operate mainly with government grants. Projects are sanctioned and implemented at the block division level.

Q. In which areas are the main projects implemented?
A. Welfare of scheduled tribes, elderly care, development of the differently-abled, maintenance of taluk hospitals and community health centres, support for youth clubs, women’s welfare activities, and training for entrepreneurial projects.

Q. Do they have responsibility for hospitals?
A. Community health centres fall under block panchayats. They oversee the maintenance of taluk hospitals, purchase of medicines, and day-to-day operations. They also play a key role in the Integrated Child Development Society project.

Q. What are the jurisdictional powers of a block panchayat?
A. Municipalities are excluded. Block panchayats consist solely of grama panchayats. Only residents of panchayats vote for block and district panchayats.

Q. What is the salary of a block panchayat president and a division member?
A. The president receives a monthly honorarium of ₹15,000, the vice president ₹13,500, members ₹8,600, and permanent standing committee chairpersons ₹9,800.