Srinagar, Oct 28: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today highlighted the importance of devolution of power to the public representatives at Panchayat level stressing on holding of elections to Panchayats in the State as early as possible.
 “Empowering people at grass roots and involving their participation in formulation of plans and execution of schemes is imperative to bring about a healthy change in governance and addressing specific public needs through Panchayat Raj system”, he said.
 Omar was chairing a meeting to review the preparedness for holding Panchayat polls.
 CM said he would hold the All Parties Conference and discuss issues relating to the holding of Panchayat elections. The issue would be also discussed in the NC-Congress Coordination Committee so that the elections are held early, he said.
 He said the utilization of funds available under various centrally sponsored schemes for Panchayats was only possible when Panchayats would be in place. “State has already lost substantial central funds in the past for not having Panchayats elected. To utilize the amounts earmarked under 13th Finance Commission for Panchayats and under other flagship programmes, we have to conduct Panchayat elections and take advantage of the funds”, he added.
 The Chief Minister directed for moving ahead on the process of preparedness of Panchayat elections and finalizing the programme for the approval of the Cabinet.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST