Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 12: Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangthan (RGPRS) has resolved to wage a struggle against the State Government’s decision regarding indirect election of Sarpanches and termed the move as joke with the democratic system.
A meeting of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan was held under the chairmanship of Shahnawaz Choudhary, general secretary Pradesh Congress Committee and convenor, State Panchayati Raj System at Congress office Jammu in which national coordinator Tarun Bal also participated. During the meeting a resolution was passed unanimously by all the newly appointed block convenors from Jammu district that they will fight against the Government decision and to implement the ammended Panchayati Raj Act by previous Congress-NC Government, which was at par with 73rd ammendment of the Constitution of India.
While addressing members, Shahnawaz briefed them about RGPRS as it was founded by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in 2007 as a part of Indian National Congress to work with the PRI and Urban Local Bodies. He said RGPRS aims to advocate for decentralization of power, enhance devolution literacy among PRI representatives and generate awareness amongst the citizens regarding the role and power of local self government. He also lambasted Government for denying direct election of Sarpanches which has already weakened Panchayati Raj institutions.
Conducting indirect elections and centralizing Panchayats will lead to weakening of the institution. Instead of strengthening the institution, the Government has disturbed the basic values of democracy. The previous Government had tried to strengthen the Panchayati Raj in the State by passing the Bill in the Assembly as per the provisions of 73rd amendment. But, the PDP-BJP Government instead of implementing it, has further diluted even the old State Panchayati Raj Act and have imposed indirect elections in Panchayats. This will give rise to horse trading only. He said they have decided to go among the people and aware them about the undemocratic steps taken by the Government.
Pankaj Basotra, convener Jammu province, while criticizing the programme and policies of this Government said that Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan, is going to start State wide awareness campaign and agitation against the PDP-BJP Government. He also said that in coming days all the district convenors will be announced.
NSUI State president Neeraj Kundan, PYC leader Jatinder Chib and Ajaz Ahmed were also present.
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