Srinagar, Nov 9: Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Ali Muhammad Sagar Friday said the state government is committed to the security of the Panchs and Sarpanchs across the state.
“Government is committed to ensure their security. The Chief Minister has asked the Director General of Police to ensure security of Panchayat members after assessing the requirements in this regard,” Sagar told local news gathering agency KNS.
He said the police have also been asked to expedite the process of identifying the people behind recent killing of Panchs and Sarpanchs.
The Minister said the government was committed to empower the grassroots institutions in the state.
“We are committed to 3-tier Panchayati Raj system at village, block and district levels. The Chief Minister is keen on strengthening the grassroots institutions,” he said.
Sagar said: “Some elements in the state have launched malicious propaganda against the government as far as empowerment and security of Panchayat members is concerned.”
The Minister said the Panchs and Sarpanchs who are apprehensive about their empowerment or security must pinpoint specific issues or cases where the government could do more for them.
He said the government had written to the Chief Election Commissioner some 8 months back for holding elections for MLC seats and that it was for the CEC to decide when to hold elections. “It is their job to hold the elections,” he added. KNS

Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Nov 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Nov 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:00:00 IST