 Early Times Report
Ramnagar, July 1: Expressing strong disapproval of the amendments carried out in the Panchayati Raj Act by the BJP-PDP coalition, Harsh Dev Singh Chairman JKNPP and former Minister today described the move as highly regressive and retrograde.
Accusing the incumbent government of trying to sabotage the empowerment of rural folk, he said the newly proposed / incorporated amendments would completely alter the structure of Panchayati Raj as envisaged under the existing Act and would be strongly opposed by the party.
Addressing various gatherings, Harsh Dev Singh said that the previous govt. had incorporated the provisions of 73rd Amendment of the constitution of India in the State Act after vigorous campaigns launched by the Panchayats and aggressive posturing of the then legislators on the subject.
He said that it was a case of the govt literally having been held by the collar to accommodate the spirit of 73rdAmendment in State law as the Congress-NC had to succumb to tremendous pressure built up at that point of time.
Terming the move of the ruling coalition as suicidal, he said that the rural populace and Panchayat representations had strongly opposed the proposition which would deprive them of the benefits of democratic decentralization.
Harsh Dev Singh further regretted the neglect of the govt. to constitute a separate Finance Commission as envisaged under law for ensuring financial autonomy to Panchayats.
Regarding the local issues of the villages toured by him, Harsh Dev Singh called for early completion of Parla Chakaal-Sia Merri- Balota road, start of 10+2 classes in HS Rasli Gaderan, upgradation of public park at Gandh Top, early construction of Pachound -Chappar road and etc. Among others who spoke on the occasion included Mansa Ram Dhoi Rtd Tehsildar, Badri Nath Sarpanch, Om Prakash Sarpanch, Balwant Singh Ex-Sarpanch, Tirath Ram Sarpanch, Isher Dass Sarpanch, Joginder Lal Sarpanch besides others. |
