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| Empowerment of panchayats in JK to be main focus of Centre | | |
Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Aug 28: The empowerment of Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir will be main focus of the Narendra Modi-led government after abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
Source said that Centre has told Governor Satya Pal Malik to ensure that Panchayat system is strengthened.
"To ensure funds reach grassroots, the authorities have directed officials to maintain transparency in funds meant for Panchayats in Jammu Kashmir," a source said.
The government conducted elections to the Panchayats last year which have started functioning here.
An official of Rural Development Department said that Centre has decided to release Rs 3700 for Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir. So far, over Rs 700 crore has been released.
"There had been complaints in the past that funds meant for Panchayats were not reaching to grassroots. There were also reports about misappropriation of funds while officials had not maintained proper records. The government does not want misuse of funds which are meant for development of rural areas," the official said. Director Rural Development Department Kashmir has earlier written to concerned officials to ensure transparency of funds meant for Panchayats in the valley.
"It is mandatory to ensure that the funds in the account of the Halqa Panchayat are properly used and that the funds balance available in these Halqa Panchayat account prior to the notification of constituted Panchayats or appointment of administers are in order and every transaction in the said Halqa Panchayat account accounts is as per the financial rules," an order issued by the Director Rural Development Department Kashmir, reads.
The officials have been directed to maintain records whether these transactions have been made after proper sanction and that the financial propriety has been maintained. They have been directed to bring into the notice of Director Rural Development Department if there is any discrepancy of funds.
The Centre, as part of its initiative to empower around 40,000 elected local representatives in JK, had earlier enhanced the financial powers of panchayats 10-fold from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh, and that of block councils from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh.
Panchayats, in addition to being involved in the selection of eligible beneficiaries for various government welfare schemes, will get Rs 50 lakh-80 lakh per year for implementation of key national schemes such as the National Health Mission, Samagra Shiksha, etc. |
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