Srinagar, June 11 (Scoop News) – “While complimenting people of Jammu and Kashmir State for active and record breaking participation in recently held Panchyat Elections, Former Minister and Member Parliament, Mani Shankar Aiyar underscored the need for empowerment of Panchyats in Jammu and Kashmir State”.
He said, despite of all kinds of odds and challenges from various quarters, these Sarpanches and Panches have proved their full determination in democratic machinery and were able to receive free and fare mandate of the people. He further said that Rs.7 lakh Crores have been earmarked through various projects for rural development by the Government of India and suggested at least Rs. one crore each may be kept under the control of Sarpanchs and other Panches so that the respective Panchyat Units are able to execute all kinds of works without any interference from any bureaucrat and other establishments.
Aiyar was today speaking at a prestigious conference on the “Essence of Panchyat Raj and Local Self Governance” organized by Rural Development Foundation ,Kashmir Society in Collaboration with Sheri- Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology.
On this occasion, Ms Cairn Fisher, Trustee J&K Rural Development Foundation, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Tej Pratap Singh, Renzushah, Dr.Muzaffer, Chairman RTI Movement, Dr. Afifa S Kamili, Director, Extension Education and other distinguished guests also spoke.
Addressing the Sarpanches and Panches, participating in the Conference, Mr Aiyar stressed upon them to know their rights under Panchyat Raj Act. He also demanded that J&K Panchayati Raj Act should be more strengthened so that the benefits of the newly elected Panchyats may be availed at the grass root level. He further stressed upon empowering of Rural Women and said the women folk could bring a major change in developing of the rural society. He said that the powerful panchyats can revolutionize the development scenario in the State and the people through Panchyats can decide themselves about the welfare schemes for the rural masses, adding that self governance at village level will root fast by establishment of panchayat Raj and people will experience a new change in the field of development.
Ayer further said that the “historic” decision of holding Panchayat election will follow transferring of “3Fs of function, functionaries and finances to these democratize institutions so that they deliver effectively at grass root level as per public aspirations.
Later, Kashmir based LOC Traders Associations met Aiyar and put forth their problems. Aiyar assured them that he would take up their problems with the concerned quarters.
A deputation of JK Economic Alliance led by Mr Rauf Ahmed called on the MP , Aiyar .