Empowerment of Panchyats has become slogan of every
ministers and legislatures in
and Kashmir
talking about the phrase every now and then. Empowerment of Panchyats was the
dream of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation. But not for developmental
activities but equal participation of rural masses in decision making bodies of
the country. Much awaited Panchyat polls concluded in
winning Panches and Sarpanches are being felicitated by all the political
parties for their vested vote politics. Earlier, in the beginning of elections
it was decided that elections would be held on non party basis but only after
the first phase of results out of 16 phases’ political parties including
National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and Congress started claiming
sweep in elections.
Without introducing 73rd and 74th
amendments of Indian Constitution elections for Panchayats were held which was
criticized by opposition political parties. Government the announced high power
committee to frame road map to empower the Panches and Sarpanches under the
supervision of Chief Secretary J&K. But even after the elections are over the
committee has yet to come out with its formula.
For the last 65 years Indian Parliament has not reached to a
consensus in terms of women’s reservation bill and for the 45 years it has
failed to work out Jan Lokpal Bill to which civil society have to protest and
fast unto death. Keeping the prevailing scenario in view it seems
government is only keeping engaged the victorious representatives of common
people and has no concrete formula in sight to empower the Panchyats.
As per the Panchyat Raj Act representatives of common rural
public are entitled to all the tasks being over seen by legislatures in present
system of dispensation. If the Panchayat Raj Act is implemented in letter and
sprits as per the law of land the job of legislatures and ministers will reduce
only to law making. Works on the ground would be job of Panches, Sarpanches in
rural areas and Corporators in urban areas. Which is really a challenge before
the coalition government? As coalition is already in confrontation over the
rotational chief ministrialship, discrimination in funds distribution and many
other issues, then factionalism in the parties can not be ignored.
When and if Panchayat Raj is established and Panches and
Sarpanches are empowered literally there would be no chance of corruption in
the system. That means people would hardly be interested in contesting election
for legislation.
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