Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 12: Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami has impressed upon the State Government to convene an all parties meeting to deliberate the issue of empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the State.
Addressing a convention organized by Kisan Tehreek at Achabal in South Kashmir, Tarigami said that the meeting can discuss the positive provisions of amendments effected to the Indian Constitution with regard to the Panchayati Raj Act. He said the amendments on the same pattern can be incorporated in the State while keeping the interests of the people at the top.
“Any delay in empowerment of these grassroots level bodies is bound to erode the essence and sanctity of these institutions. Deferring the elections to Block Development Councils (BDCs) illustrates utter confusion and non-seriousness among coalition partners vis-à-vis empowerment of Panchayats in the State,” said Tarigami.
He said the genuine demands of Sarpanchs and Panchs on the issue of their security, absence of funds and authority to them for carrying out development work have so far fallen on the deaf ears. He said the notion that empowerment of Panchayats and local body institutions will impact Kashmir issue is illogical and misconceived.
“Panchayat Raj institutions are constitutionally guaranteed instruments of vigorous local self-Government to secure effective participation of the people in the developmental programmes and for overseeing this process. Also the apprehensions that PRIs will in any way weaken the role of legislators are unfounded and not based on reality because the Panchs and Sarpanchs are not law makers,” said Tarigami.
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