Sir,
Honorarium for Panchayat members of the State is a step towards strengthening Panchayati Raj in the State. The Panchayat members were a demoralised lot after they remained unheard by the Government and some of its members fell to bullets of militants. The time it looked that the Raj may have a uncertain future in the State as the conditions indicating so developed soon after election process was conducted in this regard.
Besides, the Government should now focus on empowering them under Panchayati Raj Act, by vesting in them financial powers. Without this move, PRIs have no relevance. They will be considered Powerless Panchayat and there arises the apprehension that it may lose its credibility in the eyes of people.
In view of the prevailing circumstances, it becomes incumbent upon the Government to instile in the members a sense of security so that can gird their loins and take part in developmental process of the State.
Yours etc…
Kavita Mahajan
Jammu
Follow our WhatsApp channel