Sir,
This has reference to the news item ‘Panchayat polls in J&K not possible without further amendment in Act’ DE Jan 21.
For one reason or the other, Panchayati Raj institutions in the State have suffered terribly. There were expectations from the previous NC-Cong led that Panchayati Raj system would be strengthened in the State. After elections were held for the same, a new phase in the development process of the State had started to take place. But it was a temporary phase as militants killed several Panches and Sarpanches. Undaunted by these attacks, Panchayat members continued to work on. They however could not get financial powers as is guaranteed to them under 73rd Amendment Act. These institutions remained under the mercy of the State Government and could not function as independent institutions. Hence rendered dys functional. Now as per constitutional provisions, the functioning of an Elections Commission is mandatory. As it does not exist as of now elections cannot be held for these institutions.
Now, it is incumbent upon the State Government to take necessary action in the matter.
Yours etc….
Arun Mansotra
Jammu
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