Mon Jan 20 12:47:51 UTC 2025: ## Coimbatore Villagers Protest Merger with City Corporation

**COIMBATORE, January 20, 2025** – Residents of Somayampalayam village panchayat in Coimbatore district are vehemently opposing the state government’s decision to merge their village with the Coimbatore Corporation. The merger, announced on December 31, 2024, includes 14 local bodies and is justified by the government as a response to population growth and industrial expansion.

However, villagers fear the merger will lead to significant negative consequences. They are particularly concerned about the potential loss of the 100-day employment scheme under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a vital source of income for many. Increased taxes and a higher cost of living are also major worries, especially for lower-income families.

The loss of local governance is another key point of contention. Villagers currently enjoy greater control over local decision-making as a panchayat, a power they fear will be lost to the centralized Corporation, resulting in slower responses to their concerns. Furthermore, the residents believe the accelerated urbanization associated with the merger will negatively impact their farming activities.

Following a Sunday protest, villagers submitted a petition to the District Collector on Monday, demanding the revocation of the merger decision.

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