Terming Panchayati Raj Representatives as important part of governance, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that they should actively involve themselves in ensuring sustained development of their areas and implementation of various welfare schemes initiated by the Government.The Minister was speaking after inaugurating newly constructed Panchayat Ghar at Marh in Block Dansal here today.Member Legislative Council, Mr. Devinder Singh Rana, Director Rural Development, Jammu, Mr. Shafiq Raina and officers of various departments were also present on the occasion.The Minister said that the holding of Panchayati Elections and putting in place fully empowered Panchayati Raj system has been a watershed development in the history of the State, by which powers have been devolved to the grass-root level. He said these institutions have been empowered with powers of 14 vital departments and Senior Officer of the rank of Additional District Development Commissioner has been made the nodal officer to monitor the same. “In order to augment infrastructural capacity of the Panchayat Raj Institutions, Government has initiated the construction of Panchayati Ghars, all across the State and special instructions have been given to the officers to ensure their early completion”, he added.
Mr. Sagar said that the Government has introduced several land mark flagship programmes for ensuring sustained development of the rural and far-flung areas and they have been instrumental in changing the socio-economic profile of the people living in these areas. He said that certain parties have got frustrated by the achievements registered by the present Government and are now trying to negate the same by spreading rumours and falsehood. “People are aware of the initiatives undertaken by us and would give a befitting reply to these parties in near future”, he maintained.
MLC, Mr. Devinder Singh Rana, while speaking on the occasion highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the government for ensuring overall development in every sphere of life. He said that developmental activities undertaken by the Government have no parallels and they have largely contributed in ensuring sustained development of the State especially rural and far-flung areas.
Mr. Rana said that certain parties in a State of frustration are trying to create misgivings in the minds of people for their own ulterior political motives. He said that people are well aware of their mechanisation and would give a suitable reply to them.