Sir,
Refer news item ‘Facing heavy losses, Govt mulls fresh options on Panchayat polls’ DE Aug 29.
The absence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is not mere financial loss to the State, but also a great set back to the democracy at grassroot level. There were great expectations that like PRIs elsewhere in the country, the PRIs in the State can give a new dimension to both urban and rural development. But nothing like that happened. The PRI structure has totally crumbled due to apathy shown by the successive Governments to these institutions. The 73rd amendment which is supposed to empower PRIs financially was not introduced in the State due to petty politics. As a result, PRIs that got revived during the previous NC-Congress coalition could not flourish due to lack of funds. They were dependent on the mercy of the Government.
Besides, the militancy gave another blow to these institutions by killing many Panchs and Sarpanches.
Now in case, these PRIs are revived again, it is necessary that all their problems should be addressed on priority basis. Otherwise there is no fun on holding Panchayat polls.
Yours etc…..
Ravinder Rasgotra
Jammu
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