JK News Today
Gool Sangaldan, December 14
All Jammu Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) has launched a massive campaign to create awareness among villages across the state over the incorporation of 73rdAmendment of Indian Constitution in J&K Panchayati Raj Act in letter and spirit.
In a meeting organised at remote area of Gool Sangaldan in Ramban district today, the representatives of AJKPC, led by their state president Anil Sharma, impressed upon the state government to incorporate all provisions of 73rd Amendment in the state Panchayati Raj Act before the proposed Panchayat elections in April next year to empower people at the grassroots level.
“We are happy with the government’s move to hold Panchayat elections in April next year but the PDP-BJP coalition government must understand that the holding Panchayat elections without the incorporation of all provisions of 73rd Amendment in the state legislation would hold no meaning. The state government should bring legislation in the upcoming Budget Session, starting from January 2, to incorporate all provisions of 73rd Amendment to strengthen the state Panchayati Raj Act,” Sharma said.
The AJKPC leader said the proposed Panchayati elections in the state would hold meaning only if the ruling government implement the 73rd Amendment in the Jammu and Kashmir.
He also demanded the setting up of the separate Election Commission and Finance Commission as per the Panchayati Raj Act for smooth conduct of the elections and giving financial powers to the Panchayati Raj Institutes (PRIs) in the state.
“We have decided to hold awareness meetings at village level in all districts to make the people awareness about the merits and demerits of the 73rd Amendment. After completing this exercise in all the districts, we will hold a state level convention of AJKPC representatives and Panchayat members in Jammu on January 8,” Sharma said.
