Srinagar, Apr 22: Reaffirming coalition Government’s resolve to empower Panchs and Sarpanchs, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather today said that devolution of powers for making Panchayats effective functional units of democracy at grass roots level is a conscious decision of the Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
 Addressing one-day district level party workers convention, which was also attended by the Panchs and Sarpanchs of the district, at Budgam in central Kashmir, Rather dispelled misinformation campaign launched by some vested elements that Government was non-serious about empowerment of Panchayats. He said that the devolution of powers to Panchs and Sarpanchs was a sincere and conscious decision of the present Government as it really wanted these grass root democratic institutions to grow and address the people’s grievances to the satisfaction of all concern.
 He cautioned the audience about machinations of the defeated political parties and some vested Government functionaries, who are desperately trying to sabotage initiatives taken by the present Government regarding empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions. All such designs would be defeated with full might, Rather asserted.
 He said National Conference was fully committed for empowerment of the Panchs and Sarpanchs and there was no reason to doubt the intensions of the present coalition Government in this regard. He impressed upon the Panchs and Sarpanchs to discharge their responsibilities honestly and effectively in accordance with the law and come true to the expectations of the people, who elected them.
 He also enjoined National Conference cadres to join hands and work unitedly for the betterment of the State and its people and urged for further strengthening the mass contact base at grass root level.
  “It is our strong belief that empowerment of Panchs and Sarpanchs, who are also elected representatives of the people, would help the Government and its functionaries in providing services to the people in an efficient manner”, the Finance Minister said adding that there was no substance in the apprehensions that empowerment of Panchayats would undermine powers of the legislators. He said this all is a part of sinister misinformation campaign launched by the opposition, who could do nothing in this regard during their tenure and was now unnerved on seeing historic and people friendly policies and programmes of the present Government.
 Maintaining that NC reflects urges and aspirations of the common masses, the Minister said ensuring active participation of people in governance by bringing democracy to the grass roots level was its main agenda.
 He said giving every citizen’s say in the State’s governance was the cherished dream of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, which has been fructified by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah through devolution of powers to the basic units of democracy.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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