| We fulfill our commitment by conducting free, fair DDCs polls: Sinha | | |  EARLY TIMES REPORT
Jammu, Dec 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said his administration has fulfilled the commitment of holding free and fair District Development Councils (DDCs) elections in J&K and onus is on elected representatives to ensure overall development of their respective districts.
Addressing a press conference after successful completion of DDCs elections, the Lt Governor said, “I'm happy that except for one or two very small incidents, DDCs elections were conducted in a very peaceful, free & fair manner. Despite cold weather, J&K Police & armed forces contributed in a big way during these elections”. “It is glad to see every segment of society taking part in the recently concluded eight-phased polls which signifies people of J&K reposed trust in democracy to reap benefits of democracy at grassroots level”, he said and hoped that these elections would prove a milestone in the political history of J&K.
The Lt Governor reminded that before commencement of the DDCs polls he had promised to conduct free and fair elections. “We have fulfilled our commitment and for completing the process J&K police, paramilitary forces and health workers deserve special praise”.
He said with the completion of DDCs elections, the much-awaited three-tier Panchayati Raj system, like other parts of the country, has been established in J&K. “Various clauses of 73rd and 74th amendments of Indian Constitutions have been implemented in J&K during the last three months to strengthen grass-root democracy”, he said and added that now elected representatives are duty-bound to ensure over all development in their respective areas.
“I thank and congratulate the people of J&K, especially the First-time voters, Independent Candidates and Political Parties for strengthening grass root democracy and paving way for progressive future of the UT and participating in the elections with such enthusiasm & zeal and making them a massive success”, said the Lt Governor.
Giving a new direction to the developmental process, people from all sections of the society - Youth, Women, Elders, Farmers, Labourers, Businessmen, voted in large numbers and played their crucial role in strengthening the grass root democracy so that progress and prosperity shall reach every citizen of the Union Territory, he added.
Speaking on enthusiasm shown by first-time voters, the Lt Governor observed that the participation of first time voters in DDC and Panchayat elections is a matter of pride for our democratic set up. Rejecting the regressive agenda, people voted for progress and development, he added.
Although Lt Governor has not made any announcement, one thing is clear that this administration is going to strengthen grass-root level democracy in J&K to ensure maximum participation of people in developmental activities.
The LG administration has already delegated powers to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and this process is likely to further accelerate in the days to come. |
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