Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 13: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, today inspected the pace of progress on construction of Panchayat Bhawan at Bhour Camp and directed the executing agencies to complete the project within the fixed time.
Interacting with the Sarpanchs and Panchs after reviewing the progress on the Bhawan, Bhalla said that with the construction of this Rs. 20 lakh Panchayat Bhawan the Sarpanchs and Panchs of the area would be able to arrange their meetings, interactive sessions and seminars. He said the complex would have facilities like meeting room, guest room, kitchen, parking and toilet block.
The Minister said the Government is committed to empower the Sarpanchs and Panchs with enhanced powers to further strengthen the grass roots level democratic institutions. He said after holding successful Panchayat elections in the State, efforts are being made to delegate adequate powers to Panchayats in order to achieve the objective of participatory planning process. He said that objective of establishing Panchayati Raj in the State and empowering such institutions is to extend development process to the rural pockets.
Stressing on proper coordination among Panchayati Raj representatives and concerned departments, the Minister said that the Government has already empowered the Sarpanchs and Panchs with the powers of 14 vital departments.
The Minister said Government has released Rs 207 crore for construction of more Panchayat Bhawans in the State. He impressed upon the concerned agencies to redouble their efforts for timely completion of the all ongoing ambitious projects within a stipulated timeframe.
Regarding construction of toilets under Rural Sanitation Scheme, Bhalla said Government has sanctioned a grant of Rs 9500 each for construction of toilet complexes in rural pockets.
The Minister said that Government was keenly monitoring the development works through various agencies for effective results. He called for introducing tested techniques adopted in other States for success of several pro-people programmes like Panchayati Raj system.
Later, Bhalla visited Shopping Centre at Bakshi Nagar inhabited by the displaced persons and assessed problems being faced by them particularly regularization and allotment of land where they have constructed houses on occupied land since 1947 and 1965.
The Minister assured them that there genuine demand would be looked into on priority basis.
Bhalla informed that the Government has already submitted a proposal of Rs. 1775 crore package for one time settlement of refugees’ issues to Central Government.
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