Srinagar, Oct 2: While the fate of the Bill moved by opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over empowerment of Panchayat representatives in Jammu and Kashmir is uncertain, the political parties championing the cause of the rural bodies have yet another chance to get powers devolved to them through the Legislative Assembly.
The Private Member Bill - Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill 2011 - moved by the State Secretary of  Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Member Legislative Assembly Kulgam, MY Tarigami is among the 68 Bills pending with the House.
The Bill already moved by Tarigami has come handy for united opposition – PDP, BJP, Panthers Party and Jammu State Morcha - and even ruling alliance partner- Congress - to seek more powers for Panchayats. The Bill gains importance as the cries for empowering Panchayats in the state are growing louder leaving ruling National Conference isolated. According to Tarigami’s Bill, there should be election to third-tier of Panchayati Raj system to democratize local governance in the state.
“The chairmen and the vice-chairmen of the District Planning and Development Boards shall be elected by all Sarpanchs of Halqa Panchayats of the district,” the Bill moved by Tarigami, last year, reads.
The provision of nomination for chairmen of the District Boards in the State Panchayat law has triggered widespread resentment among the opposition forces. And heart of the controversial Bill moved by PDP MLA, Peerzada Mansoor is also doing away with ‘nomination’ provision at third-tier of Panchayati Raj system.
Pertinently, Panchayati Raj Act-1989, calls for nomination of chairmen of the Boards and election to the post of vice-chairmen of the Boards.
And the Bill seeks independence of third-tier system in Panchayati Raj for developmental works and financial matters by proposing that “the Boards shall be final authority for planning and decide priorities of developmental activities/works and shall have powers to raise funds through levies and taxes."
Even, the proposed amendment also calls for doing away with nominations in case of Sarpanchs and Panchs resign or die, by proposing deletion of section 8(A) of Panchayati Raj Act.
As already reported, the Private Members Bills would be taken on October 9 and the number of such bills lying with Assembly Secretariat is 68.
According to observers, if the Bill for empowerment of Panchayats moved by Tarigami is prioritized on the day (October 9), then ruling party National Conference would find itself in a tight spot.
“If the said Bill would be given preference in listing, then all parties would have no alternative but to support the Bill leaving ruling National Conference in awkward situation,” they said.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Tarigami said it is duty of all parties to seek prioritization of the Bill submitted by him last year.
“And if they are sincere in their commitment towards strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, they should push for prioritizing and passage of my bill,” Tarigami said.

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