J-K panchayats entrusted with first set of powers

In the first instalment,numerous powers in various sectors have been entrusted to the panchayats which shall be exercised by them from September one this year,he said.

“Apprehensions had been created by certain elements in the minds of sarpanches and panches with regard to the transfer of power but on Sunday I announce the first instalment of powers to the panchayats removing all such speculation in this regard,he said.

The Chief Minister said transfer of more power to the panchayats would be deliberated by the Cabinet and subsequently by the Legislature to make these institutions more effective and powerful.

He said Planning and Rural Development Departments are jointly working for transfer of financial powers to the panchayats.

The panchayats would exercise their powers for alleviating poverty and employment generation through Integrated Rural Development Programme,National Rural Employment Programme,Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme and Housing of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes,Omar said.

In reply to a question,the Chief Minister said panchayat members would be given training through government agencies and NGOs to enhance their capacity and exercise their powers purposefully and successfully.

“I have interacted with panchayat members in some 40 Assembly constituencies and found them capable enough to shoulder responsibilities being entrusted to them,” he said.