Perhaps, it was not only mere functioning of the Panchayats as a matter of routine, now that they are better placed both with regard to functional autonomy as well as having adequate financial support in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir like their counterparts in rest of the country, but how best were how many functioning. In other words, a sense of not only mere performance but how best the Panchayats proved as a viable system of governance under the Panchayati Raj system, is what matters. We need to refresh our memory about the feel of scepticism, if not a pall of gloom laced with negativity about the rationale of holding of elections to elect Panchayats and their respective functionaries in late 2018 and in fact , many mainstream regional and national level political parties boycotted these polls but an overall robust turnout of 84 percent, the Valley however recording 41 percent, proved boycotters as well as propounders and broachers of an “exercise in futility” as totally ignorant of ground situation and change of the direction of the “winds” having taken place in Jammu and Kashmir.
A healthy situation has dawned into the functioning of these grass root democratic institutions in the Union Territory that of a competition to perform better and, therefore, earn accolades. It is gratifying that three Panchayats – two in Rajouri and one in Baramulla districts in Jammu and Kashmir in respect of doing an outstanding job in different areas of functioning have duly been recognised. This time, it is in respect of three panchayats claiming such prestigious national awards, taking a cue and feeling incentivised – more could aspire to make it to being nationally recognised as best performers. While we hail these three Panchayats- Jamola Lower and Dhangri in Rajouri district and Zaloora-B in Baramulla district for winning the national awards, we expect more of the Panchayats and even the Local Urban Bodies showing better performance as a result of the blend of optimum and prudential use of the funds as well as concerted and dedicated contribution and leadership provided by the respective functionaries.
It is an accepted norm for doers and performers that sky is the limit and hard work with dedication as a solid investment were bound to show exemplary results. Areas are vast and work voluminous as we find, that motive and the identified goal in view, these three Panchayats having worked for. Vaccination of children, optimum enrolment in schools, reduction in drop outs, attendance of school teachers, cleanliness drive and open defecation free status, drinking water, mid-day meal scheme like programmes were child centric where Panchayats alone could play a tremendous role at the ground level. There are various developmental plans, building main infrastructure in villages, extension of village sites, permission and regulation of construction of buildings and houses, lighting of roads and construction of utilities etc and other socio-economic issues where Panchayats have their definite and lineated role too.
The Panchayats, therefore, must concentrate on, rather excel in socio- economic development, adopting child friendly practices and framing developmental plans to work for achievements. Unless plans were prepared, blue prints made, decisions taken, targets fixed, line of action identified and team spirit put in, achievements worth the name could not be made. Three national awards namely Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puruskar, Gram Panchayat Development Plans Award, Child Friendly Gram Panchayat Award were bagged by the three identified best performing Panchayats. The work and performance of the Panchayats under reference, were recognised resulting in the awards given by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Jamola Lower and Dhangri bagged child friendly Gram Panchayat Award 2020 and Nanaji Deshmukh Guarav Gram Sabha Award respectively while Zaloora B – Baramulla has been adjudged for Gram Panchayat Development Plans Award. The dedicated and tireless work of these Panchayats has been widely appreciated. We would only say keep it up – Panchayat institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
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