Budgam, Apr 5: In an unprecedented development, Sarpanchs belonging to ruling National Conference, Congress and opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) joined hands to fight for the empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institution in the State.
 The decision was taken in a meeting of Sarpanchs belonging to Chadoora block of Budgam. On the occasion, the Sarpanchs decided to work in close coordination so that issues related to 73rd amendment of J&K Panchayati Raj Act are taken up with the authorities more rigorously.
 A joint coordination committee of NC, PDP and few Congress Sarpanchs of Chadoora block was formed to chalk out future course of action.
 The meeting was coordinated by Shahnawaz Sultan, a Panchayat member. On the occasion, Sultan criticized MLAs of all the political parties for bringing a private members bill in State Legislature demanded more powers.
 “On one side, the State Government and other political leaders are supporting empowerment of Panchayats and on the other legislators of both ruling and opposition parties are hatching a conspiracy to weaken the Panchayati Raj Institutions,” Sultan alleged.
 Later the Sarpanchs unanimously decided to form an association of Sarpanchs and Panchs at block, district and State level. They also appealed the Government to conduct block and district council elections at the earliest and demanded that the Sarpanchs and Panchs should be given monthly salary on the pattern of other states.
 A 10 member committee of Sarpanchs was also formed during the meeting which would take up the issues work for welfare of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the Chadoora block.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 5 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 5 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST