J&K Panchayat Conference presents demands to Governor

SRINAGAR: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here this evening.
The demands presented by the 6-member delegation led by Mr. Fazal Hussain Khan, Chairman of the Conference, included, interalia, incorporation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in the State for the strengthening and empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions; election of the Chairman of the Block Development Council only from among the Sarpanchs and Panchs; and larger and systematic involvement of Panchayat representatives in the formulation and implementation of development schemes at the grass roots level. Other demands projected by the deputation included provision of security and grant of honoraria to the Sarpanchs and Panchs.
The office bearers of the Conference thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions and in the over all progress and prosperity of the State.
Giving a patient hearing to the delegation, the Governor urged them to devote themselves wholeheartedly to hastening the development process in their respective areas and assured them of following up on their demands by discussing the same with Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and, if necessary, also with the Chief Minister.