SRINAGAR: The Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that government has made Panchayati Raj institutions vibrant by way of devolution of powers to the basic functionaries which would ensure transparency in implementing various socio-economic schemes at the grass root level.
The Minister was addressing at one day convention of Panchs and Sarpanchs of Pulwama, Shopian at Town Hall Pulwama today.
Mr. Sagar said that devolution of powers to the basic functionaries for monitoring and implementing the schemes of concerned departments will ensure the equitable development of the people as per their aspirations. He said that the holding of Panchayat elections after 34 years and large participation of the people in the democratic set up is notable achievement for which credit goes to the Government led by Omar Abdullah.
The Minister said that we will not allow the disinformation campaign being launched by certain disgruntled elements who are desperately trying to create confusion in Panchs and Sarpanchs by spreading false rumours.
While directing the officers present on the occasion to give full consideration to the recently issued order of empowering the Panchs, Sarpanchs, Mr. Sagar said that strict action would be initiated against those who will be found disobeying the order in this behalf.
Responding to the demand of Panchs and Sarpanchs for remuneration, Mr. Sagar said that we have already taken up the matter with the concerned quarters and a positive result is expected soon. He also informed that an amount of Rs. 56 crores has already been released for the construction of Panchayat Ghars at the rate of Rs. 20 lakh each which would be constructed/renovated with the active participation of Panchs and Sarpanchs of the area.
Mr. Sagar also said that a comprehensive training programme for educating the Panchayati Raj representatives about various welfare programmes has already been formulated and it would be imparted to them shortly. In addition to this, he said that they would be sent to different states so that they can get a firsthand knowledge about the functioning of Panchayats there’, he added.
The Minister said that flagship schemes of Rural Development like MG NREGA, TSC, IAY and NRLM would be implemented and identified by the Panchs and Sarpanchs maintaining that necessary instructions have already been passed in this regard.
The Director, Rural Development, Kashmir, Mr. Jehangir Mir, Additional District Development Commissioner, Pulwama, Shopian, Mir Tariq Ali and Atta Ullah Simnani and district officers of Pulwama and Shopian were present on the occasion.