MG NREGA, TSC, IAY to be identified, Implemented by Panchs, Sarpanchs: Sagar

SRINAGAR: The Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today asked the Panchayati Raj representatives to work for overall and sustained development of their respective areas and ensure transparency in dispensation of their duties.
The Minister was addressing Panchs and Sarpanchs of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts during a one day interaction programme at Srinagar.
The interaction was third of its kinds with the Panchayati Raj Representatives after his interaction with the representatives of Kupwara, North Kashmir, and Anantnag, Kulgam districts held some days back.
District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, Director Rural Development, Kashmir, Mr. Jehangir Mir, Assistant Commissioner (Development) of respective districts and senior officers of administration were present.
Referring to Government’s commitment for ensuring the holding of Panchayati elections, the Minister said that we have ensured that these are held on non-party basis and by participating in large numbers the people have once again ratified the good governance of the present Government. He said 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.
Mr. Sagar while directing the officers present on the occasion to give full consideration to the recently issued order of empowering the Panchs, Sarpanchs said that strict action would be initiated against those who are found disobeying the same. “We have empowered the Panchayati Raj representatives with powers of 14 vital departments and instructions have already been passed to involve them in implementation and formulation of various welfare schemes of their areas”, he maintained.
Responding to the demand of Panchs and Sarpanchs for remuneration, the Minister 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 Panchayati Raj representatives of that particular area. “A comprehensive training programme for educating the Panchs and Sarpanchs about various welfare programmes has been formulated and it would be imparted to them shortly. Besides, this 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.