KL Report

SRINAGAR

Former interlocutor Radha Kumar Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir Government should not implement provisions of 73rd amendment of Indian Panchayati Raj Act, as it would lead to the erosion of Special Status of the State. She however said that State Government could incorporate some of the best self-made provisions in their Panchayati Raj Act without touching 73rd amendment.

Radha Kumar told Srinagar based news agency CNS that there is a common perception in Jammu and Kashmir that right from 1947, the special status of the State has been eroded by incorporating different provisions of Indian Constitution. This perception would grow more stronger if provisions of 73rd amendment would be incorporated in Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act.

She said there is a way out and the best possible solution is that Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly amend its Panchayati Raj Act and incorporate self-formulated provisions that could empower Panchayati representatives in a better way.

“Legislative Members are the biggest hurdle in empowering Panchayati representatives as they don’t like power sharing. Time has come that Panchatati Raj Institutions be made stronger,” she said adding that if Sarpanchas and Panchas are complaining against the State Government they are right and there is an urgency to empower them.

Radha Kumar told CNS that it is shame for the State Government that it could not conduct District level elections even after the expiry of three years. “Government did not do what it was expected to do with regard to empowerment of Panchayati institutions. Rahul Gandhi is right by claiming that Panchayati Raj Institution needs to be empowered in Jammu and Kashmir. State Government without any delay should amend Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act and incorporate their own provisions to empower Panchayati Raj System in the State,” Kumar said.

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