KL Report
Srinagar
National Conference’s Abdul Rahim Rather has said that the prevailing harmonious relationship between coalition Partners has unnerved opposition which is fearing humiliating defeat in the forthcoming elections to four legislative council seats. This is why, he said, opposition was spreading canards and resorting to character assassination of senior leaders of ruling parties.
Coalition government, Rather said is committed for a vibrant 3-tier Panchayati Raj (PR) system to ensure maximum empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI). He said the Panchayati Raj Act is being further broad based for the purpose so that socio-economic scenario in the rural areas is given a new direction. He termed the particular law as “one of the best panchayat models” but can be further broad based to make it in tune with urges and aspirations’ of the panchs and sarpanchs.
Rather said the coordination committee of the two ruling coalition partners is in complete agreement to incorporate some viable clauses of the central act in the J&K Panchayati Raj Act to give due representation to the people of the underprivileged sections of the society. He said that there is complete harmony of ideas between the coalition partners in this regard. He said basic objective of both NC and Congress is to give an impetus to the development and progress in rural areas.
The finance minister accused opposition of false and mischievous propaganda, which is desperately trying to create mis-understanding and disillusionment regarding empowerment of panchs and sarpanchs. “In-fact they (opposition) never wanted empowerment of PRIs in the state, neither when they were in power nor today and are only relying on falsehood and lies”, Rather said.
Rather assured panchs and sarpanchs that their interests are safe in the hands of coalition partners and they should not get swayed by the hollow promises of opposition. He said all the problems of panchs and sarpanchs would be solved honestly adding that MLC election will be followed by the elections to Block Development Councils (BDC) to pave way for a vibrant 3-tier Panchayati Raj System in the state.
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