Much touted Panchayat factor in J&K social-political and economic construct is gradually losing its significance. In the first place, perfunctory arrangement of security for the Panchs and Sarpanchs is proving ineffective from the story of fatalities suffered by them previously and now during the course of polling. There is a general wave of disappointment and depression among the entire posse of Panchayatis of the State. Secondly, the much promised Rs 414.5 crores worth development funds every year (Rs 10 lakh per Panchayat) for 4145 Panchayats of the State has not materialized so far under the UPA II regime nor is there any hope of it being taken up for final decision even if the UPA III comes to power after the Parliamentary elections are over. This makes a mockery of tall talk made by no small persons than Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Jairam Ramesh in a public rally in Kashmir in June 2013. This is a classical example of political clap trap in which irresponsible and wayward politicians mislead the unsuspecting public without ensuring whether delivery was possible or not. Panchayati Raj is a very well thought of political process of involving the community and the nation in the broad task of nation building. Its utility and efficacy are above board. But unfortunately when it is exclusively used for short term political purposes, it loses its impact and people become disappointed. The impression carried by the people of J&K is that this entire Panchayati Raj drama was nothing but to boost the profile of Congress Party and the NC-led Government. We wish this impression was belied by the Government doing something concrete on the ground. Before raking up the question of empowerment of Panchayats, the most essential question is that of providing security to them.
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