Excelsior Correspondent
RAMNAGAR, July 1: Expressing strong disapproval of the amendments carried out in the Panchayati Raj Act by the BJP-PDP coalition, Harshdev Singh, chairman JKNPP and former Minister, today described the move as highly regressive and retrograde.
Accusing the incumbent Government of trying to sabotage the empowerment of rural folk, he said the newly proposed amendments would completely alter the structure of Panchayati Raj as envisaged under the existing Act and would be strongly opposed by the party. He was addressing various public meetings in Majouri, Chakol and Balota upper of Ramnagar constituency.
Terming the move of the ruling coalition as suicidal, he said that indirect elections of Sarpanches and election of one Chairman for a cluster of blocks was wholly opposed to the spirit of 73rd amendment besides the concept of local self Government.
Harshdev Singh further regretted the neglect of the Government. to constitute a separate Finance Commission as envisaged under law for ensuring financial autonomy to Panchayats. He regretted that the Panchayats were starving due to paucity of funds thus defeating the very purpose of such local self Government. He called for immediate constitution of a separate Election Commission for Panchayats as per law besides announcing immediate elections to the Panchayats in conformity with the existing law on the subject. He said that JKNPP shall strongly oppose any move to dilute the spirit of 73rd Amendment and sought the implementation of 3-tier Panchayat Raj system with elected Panchayats, elected Block councils and elected District Planning and Development Board with due representation to women, SC and ST’s.
Regarding the local issues of the villages toured by him, Harshdev Singh called for early completion of Parla Chakaal-Sia Merri- Balota road , starting of 10+2 classes in HS Rasli Gaderan, upgradation of public park at Gandh Top, early construction of Pachound -Chappar road, replacement and upgradation of electric transformers in Sia Merri, Chakaal, Pachound, Balota upper and Majouri.
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