Vyas sensitizes officers about devolution of powers to PRIs

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 7: Principal Secretary Planning and Development Department, Mr. B. B. Vyas today called upon the field functionaries to implement Government instructions with regard to devolution of powers to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in letter and spirit enabling these ground level institutions to discharge their duties as per mandate.
Speaking at an interactive session organized by the Planning Department in collaboration with IMPA for sensitizing the officers of various departments, here today, Mr. Vyas said that Government has already issued circular instructions with regard to devolution of financial powers and notified the role of PRIs across the State and all concerned officers should facilitate systematic release of funds to the respective panchayats and ensure their proper utilization. He stressed the need for close coordination between the administration and the Panchayat functionaries to achieve the objective of Panchayati Raj system in the State.
The Principal Secretary impressed upon the Deputy Commissioners and Chief Planning Officers to facilitate the Panchayat functionaries to discharge their legitimate responsibilities according to the circular instructions devised by the Government.
He said at the initial stage there may be some difficulties in implementation of these instructions, but gradually the system will come on track. The officers can get any kind of clarifications from the appropriate authorities for successful implementation of Panchayati Raj system. He also sought the views of officers to make further reforms in the system.
The officers raised several queries on the subject, which were replied to by Mr. Vyas and other concerned officers.
Director General IMPA, Aijaz Iqbal, Commissioner/Secretary Rural Development, Farooq Ahmad Peer, Consultant Planning & Development (Q), Director Rural Development, Kashmir, Director Economics & Statistics, Deputy Commissioners, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Chief Planning Officers and other officers of the Planning & Development Department from across the Valley were present on the occasion.