Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 20: The District Development Council (DDC) Kathua convened a crucial meeting at the District Headquarters Conference Hall here, today under the chairmanship of Col (retd) Mahan Singh , Chairman DDC Kathua.
The council members during the meeting unanimously raised serious concern over recent developments threatening the autonomy and functionality of grassroots democratic institutions under the Panchayati Raj System.
In a strong and unified stance, the Council passed a resolution opposing the diversion of District Capex Budget funds-particularly those allocated for the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) component (Tier-III).
Members expressed deep concern that no Panchayat-level funds have been released in the current financial year, raising apprehensions about the possible redirection of these funds to other departments or bodies-a move the Council categorically condemned.
The Council underscored that while the tenures of the first two tiers of the PRI system have concluded, the third tier-represented by the DDC-remains the only active and effective tier. Over the past four years, the DDC has spearheaded substantial development initiatives across the region, averaging over 2,500 works annually, primarily benefiting rural populations. Members warned that such exemplary progress, which has directly contributed to all-round development and public satisfaction across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, now stands at risk due to budgetary constraints.
Further, the Council voiced strong opposition to the recent inclusion of the local MLA in the planning and deliberation process of the DDC’s development agenda, asserting that such interference compromises the autonomy and purpose of the DDC as a grassroots governance body.
Col Mahan Singh , supported by fellow members, urged the Government to refrain from any action that weakens or destabilizes the DDC institution. “The independence, purpose, and Constitutional sanctity of the District Development Councils must be preserved. This institution should not be rendered ineffective or sidelined,” the members affirmed.
The Council unanimously demanded the immediate release of the withheld Tier-III Capex Budget and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the spirit and structure of decentralized governance enshrined in the Panchayati Raj framework.
DDC members present at the meeting included Raghunandan Singh (Vice-Chairperson, DDC Kathua), Bikram Singh, N.D. Tripathi, Tajinder Singh Goldy, Reeta Thakur, Dr. Shaveta Singh, Sushma Devi, Rimmy Charak, Neeru Rajput, Sandeep Majotra, and Karan Atri.
Follow our WhatsApp channel