Srinagar, July 4: Stating that Panchayats are vanguard institutions of public power, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday said that establishment of Panchayat Raj would give fillip to the women empowerment in the State.
 Speaking to Sarpanchas and Panchas of Uri and Rafiabad Assembly Constituencies at two separate functions, the CM said that his continuous interaction with the Panchayat members at constituency level is aimed to assure the newly elected grass root representatives of the Government’s determination for a powerful and delivering Panchayat system in the State.
 “The establishment of this system is answer to so many questions relating to the development and social fronts. You should be prepared to shoulder the responsibility of serving on various developmental fronts.Your role in the launch and monitoring of schemes in other public service sectors will also be sought to give good governance to the people”, the CM maintained.
 Terming Panchayats as effective tool to curb the chances of corruption, the CM highlighted the importance of honest, dedicated and sincere Panchayat members to make the system meaningful.
 “People have reposed trust and elected you with thumping majority. The public service should be benchmark of your functioning. The success of Panchayat Raj in the State lies in the hands of elected Sarpanchas and Panchas. If you come up to the expectations of people and reach out to them on development and social fronts honestly and effectively, the system will flourish and strengthen the democracy in the State”, he elaborated.
 The CM said that a large number of women Panchayat members elected in the recently concluded polls would open new vistas for the women in the socio-economic development of the State particularly in addressing the issues of gender nature. On the occasion, the CM also inaugurated 4-day orientation camps for newly elected Sarpanchas and Panchas at both the places.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 5 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST