20,000 developmental works identified directly by people
*Funds, functions, functionaries of 34 deptts transferred
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Aug 5: For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, whopping nearly Rs 3200 crore have been devolved to the grass-root democratic institutions—Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions and more than 20,000 developmental works have been identified directly by the people for execution through different Governmental agencies.
As per the document of the Government, the copy of which is available with EXCELSIOR, ever since the bifurcation of erstwhile State on August 5, 2019, all out efforts are being made in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen the grassroots democracy.
Moreover, in order to give power to the people, the funds, functions and functionaries of different Government departments have been devolved to the grass-root democratic institutions—Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipal Committees) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
As per the official figures, 27 functions of different Government departments have been transferred to the Panchayats strictly as per 73rd Amendment, the implementation of which never received due attention of successive Governments in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Moreover, nearly Rs 1727.50 crore comprising funds under MGNREGA, 14th Finance Commission, Mid-Day Meals and ICDS have been devolved to the PRIs till date. In order to facilitate smooth functioning of PRIs, 2000 Accounts Assistants and 317 Panchayat Secretaries are being recruited. Moreover, the Panchayats have been given the powers to conduct social audit and redress grievances besides generating resources.
Even 460 new Panchayat Ghars are being constructed, renovated and completed and offices of the Block Development Councils (BDCs) and District Development Councils (DDCs) are being constructed for their hassle free functioning. Further, for the first time since independence, elected grass-root representatives have been provided formal protocol to unfurl the National Flag on Republic Day.
Similarly, Rs 1455.62 crore have been devolved to Urban Local Bodies in last two years, which is highest ever in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, funds, functions and functionaries of seven departments have been devolved to these bodies for the first time. In recognition of their role for strengthening of democratic institutions, the Government has even provided Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia cover to the family members of elected members.
Further, powers for accord of administrative approvals for works up to Rs 5 crore have been granted in favour of Chairmen of all the Urban Local Bodies.
It is pertinent to mention here that there are 78 Urban Local Bodies including two Municipal Corporations, 6 Municipal Councils and 70 Municipal Committees in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In order to give voice to the people in the developmental process, the Government conducted Back to Village Programme in three phases and during this exercise over 20,000 developmental works were identified directly by the people. Of these, more than 7000 works have already been executed and work is apace on remaining.
Similarly, under My Town My Pride initiative, each Municipal Corporation, Council and Committee was authorized to take up works to the tune of Rs 5 crore, Rs 1 crore and Rs 50 lakh respectively. During this exercise, over 550 works were identified by the Urban Local Bodies for execution and 50% of these works have already been completed and remaining will be completed by December 2021.
Further, for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, District Development Councils have been established. The plan allocation was doubled from Rs 5136 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 12,600 crore in 2021-22. The plan was approved via online meetings with the participation of all the DDC Chairpersons, district administration and concerned departments.
Under Jan Abhiyan, a unique feature of Back to Village-3, over 5 lakh certificates (domicile, birth/death, category and disability etc) were issued and over 70,000 ration cards Aadhar seeded. Moreover, about 50,000 families were covered under Health Insurance Schemes (Ayushman Bharat/SEHAT). Likewise, around 19,000 loan cases worth Rs 372 crore were identified for financing during the programme. Of these, 15200 cases have been sanctioned which includes nearly 4600 women entrepreneurs. Similarly, nearly Rs 340 crore were sanctioned for youth entrepreneurs.
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