Kangri (Kalakote), July 28: Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Devender Singh Rana Thursday said the Panchayati Raj System as envisaged by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in J&K is robust.
 He said the Chief Minister who has taken personal interest to devolve powers to the Panchayats is determined to establish an empowered and fully functional three-tier Panchayati Raj System in the state.
 He said the Block Development Council elections are on anvil and thereafter the elections for the Vice Chairmen of District Boards will also be held.
 “This is an important step to involve grassroots level public representatives in plan formation and implementation of development schemes,” he said.
 Rana who is on a week-long tour of twin Border District of Rajouri and Poonch while addressing party workers meetings at Kangri and Kalakote here today said that those who are criticizing the Panchayati Raj system are now frustrated or lack knowledge and are trying to play politics.
 He said certain “frustrated political elements” were openly against the holding of these elections in the state but “when they observed that Omar Abdullah is firmly determined to create a powerful panchayat system in the state they started circulating false stories and indulged in carrying propaganda bogey regarding transfer of powers to the panchayts.”
 Addressing the meetings Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Vice Chairman for development of Pahari speaking people, highlighted the various welfare schemes unleashed by the Omar led government for the welfare of the youth of the state.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST