Sarpanchs, panchs will be provided special identity card: CM

Srinagar: The newly-elected sarpanchs and panchs in Jammu and Kashmir would be provided special Identity Cards (IC) to ensure their hussle free entry to government offices.
There were few incidents when the newly elected panchs and sarpanchs were manhandled or humiliated by the government officials.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, however, said respecting sarpanches and panches amounts to respecting democracy.
Administration at all levels has been sensitised in this regard, he told sarpanchs and panchs of Srinagar district at a function here yesterday.
”You will be provided with a special photo identity card so that your entries to the offices are hassle-free and you can discuss development issues with the concerned officers”, he added and said that effective and purposeful Panchayats are must for holistic development of the state.
Announcing formulation of a fresh Below Poverty Line (BPL) list in the state as per new census report, the Chief Minister said that elected panchayat members will be actively involved in its formulation.
”We want a comprehensive and correct list of BPL families to provide them benefits and help their socio-economic development.
There are number of complaints against the authenticity of announcing formulation of fresh BPL list existing BPL list in the State”.
However, he said this requires attention and proper addressing.
He said terming that Panchayats would be an important apparatus to achieve this target.
Mr Omar Abdullah said that holding of panchayat elections after a long period of 33 years was a challenge and his Government has succeeded to meet it.
”Our next destination is empowering Panchayats in the state. We are determined in this regard”, he told panchayat members assuring them full powers to the degree possible to deliver and come up to the expectations of voters.
He asked the sarpanches and panches to be prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of serving the people with authority and powers.