Srinagar – Minister for Rural Development, Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that the government intends to give more powers to Panchayats in order to strengthen these institutions here.
Replying to a short discussion under Rule 53 raised by Murtaza Ahmed Khan in the House today, the Minister said the holding of Panchayat elections in the State was the biggest achievement of the present government and subsequent transfer of powers in respect of 30 functions of 14 departments was a historic decision.
The Minister said to monitor the transfer of these functions to Panchayats, the Additional District Development Commissioner in each district has been asked to submit a monthly compliance report about the progress achieved.
He said that the government is keen to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions in the State and nobody would be allowed to derail this.
Sagar said many amendments to the Panchayati Raj Act have been made and government wont mind to bring in more amendments to strengthen local self government in the State. He said the spirit of 73rd amendment has been fully incorporated in the Act and even more steps are being taken in this connection.
He said 73rd amendment could not be incorporated because of legal technicalities owing to special position the State is enjoying under Article 370. He said however, all the provisions of the said amendment are being incorporated.
Naresh Gupta and . Ajay Sadhotra also took part in the discussion. Earlier, initiating the discussion, . Murtaza Khan demanded more empowerment of Panchayats.(Observer News Service)