 Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 23: Bharat Bhushan Bodhi, DDC Chairman Jammu, came down heavily on former Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu for his recent article advocating the disbanding of District Development Councils (DDCs). He dismissed the article as a shallow critique devoid of understanding and an insult to the spirit of grassroots democracy.
"Mr. Drabu’s baseless arguments undermine decades of progress achieved by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), which have been the backbone of rural governance and development in India. Let it be clear – the Panchayat system was not created today; it has been deeply rooted in our society for generations, resolving domestic issues and ensuring the implementation of development at the grassroots level," Bodhi stated emphatically in a statement issued here today.
Highlighting the incredible achievements of Panchayats, the DDC Chairman pointed out that in Jammu district alone, nearly 4,000 development projects are executed annually, positively impacting the lives of countless residents. "This is no small feat. It reflects the efficiency, commitment, and dedication of PRI members who work tirelessly to transform the aspirations of the people into reality," he said.
Bharat Bhushan praised the Modi Government for empowering PRIs like never before. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given unprecedented autonomy and resources to Panchayats, ensuring that development reaches even the remotest corners of the country. Only in Jammu district, a massive Rs 112 crore is allocated annually for development purposes. This is the scale of investment the current government has made to empower our villages and strengthen the roots of democracy,” Bodhi asserted.
He further elaborated, “If we consider the scale of investment across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the numbers are staggering. For instance, one district has received funds amounting to Rs 112 crore, while over Rs 2000 crore is being spent on rural areas across the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.”
Rebutting the claim that DDCs undermine legislative processes, Bodhi clarified that PRIs and legislators have distinct yet complementary roles. "While legislators are responsible for framing laws and policies, PRI members are boots on the ground, implementing these policies and directly driving development. The contributions of PRIs cannot and should not be ignored, as they play an indispensable role in bridging the gap between the government and the people," he added.
In his concluding remarks, Bharat Bhushan Bodhi made a strong case for recognizing the indispensable value of DDCs and Panchayats. “Mr. Drabu’s views reflect a complete disconnect from the realities of governance. The DDCs and Panchayats have become pillars of empowerment, delivering development and resolving critical issues at the grassroots. Instead of discrediting them, we should celebrate and strengthen these institutions that are transforming rural India and driving our nation forward. Together, these bodies are the true embodiment of democracy in action,” he added. |
