[12. Powers and functions of Halqa Panchayat. ––(1) The Halqa Panchayat shall perform the functions specified in Schedule I-A :
Provided that where the Government provides funds for the performance of any function specified in Schedule I-A, the Halqa Panchayat shall perform such function in accordance with the guidelines or norms laid down by the Government for performing such function.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) and Schedule I-A, subject to the provisions of this Act, it shall be the duty of each Halqa Panchayat to make provision for the following subject to, the availability of funds at its disposal—
(i) to prepare the plans for the development of the Halqa in consultation with Halqa Majlis and their timely submission to Block Development Council for consolidation ;
(ii) to undertake measures for the implementation of the development plans ;
(iii) to specifically deal with the problems of soil conversation, water management, social forestry, rural industrialisation, agriculture, sheep and animal husbandry, sanitation, health and other welfare programmes ;
(iv) regulation of buildings, shops and entertainment houses and checking of offensive or dangerous trades ;
(v) construction and maintenance of slaughter houses, regulation of sale and preservation of meat and processing of skins and hides ;
(vi) regulation of sale and preservation of fish, vegetables and other perishable articles and food ;
(vii) regulation of fairs and festivals ;
(viii) preparation and implementation of special development plans for alleviating poverty and employment generation as may be notified by the Government from time to time ; and
(ix) all matters involving regulation, supervision, maintenance and support, incidental to, or necessary for the more efficient discharge of the above functions and those which may be entrusted to Halqa Panchayat under the provisions of this Act.
(3) The Halqa Panchayat shall also conduct concurrent and quarterly social audit of all works, schemes and project being implemented in the Panchayat areas as per procedure to be notified by the Government.
(4) The Halqa Panchayat shall also perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned or entrusted to it by the Government, the District Planning and Development Board and the Block Development Council within the area in which Halqa Panchayat is constituted.]