4128 Panchayats exist in J&K: Sagar

           Jammu, March 14 (Scoop News) – Minister for Rural Development  Ali Mohammad Sagar said a total of 4128 Panchayats exist in the State while giving district wise break up.

            This was stated by the Minister in reply to a question by Prof Chaman Lal Gupta in Legislative Assembly here today.

The Minister said that under J&K Panchayat Raj Act 1989, the Panchayats have been empowered to function as units of local self Government and amendment to the Act is being considered for further empowerment of Panchayats.  He said the constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 is not applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

  Sagar said that in respect of holding of Panchayat election there has been some delay due to the unavoidable circumstance, adding that Government has decided holding of Panchayat election and dates are being notified shortly.

            The Minister said that there has been no loss of central grants due to non-holding of Panchayat elections in the State except in case of Twelfth Finance Commission Award,  in respect of which against the entitlement of Rs. 281 crore for 2700 Panchayat, only Rs. 52.83 were released by the Centre for 193 elected PRI.