Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 1: The president of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, today hinted at a stormy session of the Assembly as she said that her party will pursue with the bill on empowerment of Panchayat Raj and hoped support of other political parties.
The bill was rejected by the Assembly secretariat as it was not filed on the time. The Secretary of the Assembly Mohammad Ramzan told Excelsior that the Secretariat received the bill on September 18. “It was sent to Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone but he rejected it by using discretionary powers”, he added.
The PDP president said that despite rejection they will pursue with the bill and hoped support of other political parties, who are in favour of empowering Panchayats.
Mehbooba soon after the Speaker adjourned the house for the day today displayed in front of media her party’s bill on the subject duly endorsed by the Secretary Legislative Assembly. She feared the bill may be sabotaged because the Government seems non-serious about the issue.
“You can see the initials of the Secretary Legislative Assembly. The bill is endorsed by him on September 18 for the process,” Mehbooba said.
She said the bill was moved by two PDP MLAs Peerzada Mansoor Hussain and Rafi Ahmad Mir but unfortunately the Government is denying the same. Mehbooba rebutted the NC allegations saying the bill endorsed by secretary Legislative Assembly was a proof enough that ruling NC is leveling false and frivolous allegations against her party.
“We have moved this bill seeking to strengthen the J&K Panchayat Raj Act,” she told media persons, adding the bill contains all the features of the 73rd amendment of Indian Constitution.
The incorporation of all the features of the 73rd amendment would make Panchayats independent vis-à-vis planning and execution of development works and utilization of funds, said Mehbooba. “Besides other amendments, her party wants the chairmen and vice chairmen of the District Development and Planning Boards be duly elected and not nominated by the Government”, she added.
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