Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 20: After resignation of scores of Panchs and Sarpanchs in South Kashmir following militant threats, a group of Sarpanchs and Panchs today threatened en-masse resignation over non-devolution of powers to the Panchayati Raj institutions across the state.
Addressing a press conference here today, Shahnawaz Sultan, Convener Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Movement (JKPRM) said that the state government was never serious in empowering the Panchayats. He said despite claims by the Government the grass root level representatives were never consulted once the developmental plans of the villages were finalized.
“The State Government planted a person and he challenged the Government order of devolution of powers to the Panchayati Raj institutions in the state in the High Court. The court gave four weeks to the State Government to respond to the petition filed by Ghulam Mohammad Lone and others over the powers given to Sarpanchs and Panchs,” alleged Shahnawaz.
Shahnawaz said that the government deliberately did not respond to the notice adding this gave a chance to it stop the process of devolution of powers to the Panchayati Raj institutions.
“The State Government handed us a court order issued on September 12, 2011. From day one the State Government maintained that the elected representatives of Panchayats are not capable enough to use executive powers efficiently. They had also said that their interference in the official matters will adversely affect the normal functioning of Government offices,” said Shahnawaz.
Shahnawaz said that there is no fun in holding the office adding that they would not like to remain as puppets in the hands of the State Government. He said that following the indifference they have decided to tender their resignation.
“Enough is enough and we would not allow our further exploitation at the hands of the Government. We would resign en-masse and seek apology from the people since they had high hopes from us. We have failed but the real fault lies with the Government since they did not empower us. People should be aware of the deception tactics of the Government so that the real face of Government is known to the masses,” said Shahnawaz.
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