Sir,
The assent given by the Governor NN Vohra to Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2016 is a step towards strengthening PRIs in the State as is believed.
When tabled in Legislative House, the Bill evoked stiff opposition from National Conference and Congress parties. Despite this, PDP-BJP coalition succeeded in getting it cleared from the Governor. So far so good. But the question remains- is this step going to strengthen the PRIs in the State ? One remains quite sceptical over the issue if one goes by the present status of PRIs in the State.
The PRIs in the State have not yet achieved the status they enjoy in other parts of the country. The expectations from these institutions have been belied so far. These grassroot institutes have never been allowed to flourish in the State for one reason or the other.
There are other steps to be taken to make them fully functional.
No devolution of financial powers under 73rd Constitutional Amendment Bill has taken place even after so much pressure was exerted on the Government for the same.
Likewise there is no State Election Commission (SEC) to hold elections for the PRIs. The Government therefore resorts to other temporary measures.
This will do not good to PRIs in the State.
Yours etc…..
Sunil Sharma
Keran, Jammu
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