A step in right direction: Farooq

NEW DELHI, Oct 16: Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today described as a �step in the right direction� Jammu and Kashmir Government�s decision to provide reservation to SCs, STs and women in Panchayati Raj institutions.�It is a step in the right direction and with empowerment, the panchayats will become stronger,� he told reporters here while dismissing suggestion that there was any opposition to the move to include provisions of 73rd amendment of the Constitution in J&K Panchayati Raj Act.The National Conference leader said J&K Government was never opposed to bringing the 73rd amendment. �They were saying what is the benefit of it. They have realised what is the benefit. They wanted SC & ST should be given reservation as far as panchayats are concerned. That has been cleared yesterday by cabinet,� he said.The State cabinet yesterday decided to include major provisions of 73rd amendment of the Constitution of India in the State Panchayati Raj Act.Reports suggests that a 10-member core group of National Conference and Congress would identify the provisions, which would be incorporated in the State Act. (PTI)