Pottushai, (Lolab), June 27: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today reassured the Panchs and Sarpanchs that Government would transfer powers to them to establish an effective Panchayati Raj in the J&K. 
 “A Committee of high ranking officers headed by the Chief Secretary is working out the transfer of functions, funds and functionaries (3Fs) to Panchayats”, he said adding the report being prepared by the Committee was in the last stage.
 Interacting with Panchs and Sarpanchs here after inaugurating 4-day training course for them, Omar said holding of Panchayat polls in the State after 33 years was a historic decision of far reaching consequences. “The establishment of these institutions at lower level would on one hand strengthen the democracy in the State and on the other, help to empower people to take decisions about the development aspects”, he added.
 Omar said Panchayats would prove an effective tool to keep eye on works and reduce chances of corruption. “By holding Panchayat polls in the State, my aim was to shift powers from the central level to public representatives at grass roots so that they could decide about the launch of area specific development works according to public requirement and preference. This cannot be achieved at the secretariat level”, he added.
 He asked the Panchs and Sarpanchs to make sincerity, honesty and response to public needs benchmark of their functioning. “You have more responsibilities towards the society and the voters who have elected you by taking part in large numbers in the elections”, he said adding every voter would keenly watch the conduct and service of Panchs and Sarpanchs in his area. Omar said by initiating the programme of direct contact with newly elected Panchs and Sarpanchs at constituency level, he wanted to listen to their view points and suggestions for strengthening Panchayat Raj in the State. “I want to see the dreams of Naya Kashmir envisioned by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah for the empowerment, honour and dignity of the people of the State fulfilled. My every step would be to achieve prosperous and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir for every citizen”, he asserted adding Panchayat election was a step towards this direction.
 He said the functional orbit for Panchayats would not be restricted to rural development alone. “These institutions have to look into the functioning of schools, health centres, CAPD stores, establishment of Anganwari centres, distribution of pension and relief to the beneficiaries and many more matters of important public concern”, he elaborated and asked the Panchs and Sarpanchs to be fully prepare to shoulder the greater responsibilities.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 IST