Jaipur, June 18 -- Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday attacked the Rajasthan government over reports that gram panchayats may be required to collect at least Rs.1,200 annually per family through local taxes and user charges, with a provision for a 20% cut in grants if revenue targets are not met. Gehlot questioned whether the government's role had now been reduced to "transactions and recovery" instead of public welfare. Referring to media reports, he said the proposed annual tax burden on rural families and the reported linkage of development funds with tax collection targets was "deeply concerning." He argued that providing rural development, healthcare, education and other basic services is the primary responsibility of a welfare-oriented government, not a business activity. Gehlot termed the move "anti-poor and undemocratic" and demanded clarification from the government on the matter. The remarks came in response to reports that the Centre's 16th Finance Commission guidelines have introduced new conditions for rural local bodies to strengthen their revenue. According to the report, panchayats that fail to increase collections through local taxes and user charges may lose eligibility for a performance grant, while panchayat samitis could also face funding implications if less than 75% of gram panchayats in their jurisdiction qualify for the grant. As per the reported guidelines, panchayats are expected to mobilise a minimum of Rs.1,200 per family annually....