Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 16: J&K BJP spokesperson Rajni Sethi has called for a clear demarcation of powers between Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and District Development Council (DDC) members in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure effective governance and grassroots democracy.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Sethi highlighted the transformative changes brought about by the abrogation of Article 370 and the implementation of the J&K Reorganization Act, which paved the way for the first-ever DDC elections in the Union Territory.
Sethi noted that the DDC elections, held after the revival of the Panchayati Raj Act of 1989 on October 17, 2020, marked a significant milestone in strengthening democracy in the region. With the participation of 7 lakh voters-3.7 lakh from Kashmir and 3.2 lakh from Jammu-the elections have empowered rural communities by creating a robust three-tier governance system.
However, Sethi expressed concerns over the ambiguity in the roles and responsibilities of MLAs and DDC members, which hampers their ability to function effectively. She emphasized the urgent need for a well-defined framework to clarify their respective powers and ensure smooth coordination.
The BJP spokesperson also pointed out the inadequate budget allocation for DDCs compared to other states, which limits their capacity to undertake developmental projects and meet the aspirations of their constituents. She urged the J&K Government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to address these issues by allocating adequate funding and empowering DDCs to implement development initiatives effectively.
“Strengthening DDCs with proper funding and authority will not only fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of grassroots democracy but also ensure equitable and inclusive development across all districts of J&K,” Sethi said.
The BJP spokesperson called on the Government to prioritize the needs of DDC members and rural populations, ensuring that democracy flourishes and development reaches every corner of the UT.
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