In order to review the role of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in containment and management of Covid-19 pandemic, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole chaired a meeting here today.The meeting was attended by Director Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir, Deputy Director Planning, besides members of PRIs of Srinagar district, while as the members of Panchayati Raj Institutions including Chairpersons of Block Development Councils, Sarpanches and Panches, besides presidents of Municipal Committees of other districts of Kashmir division attended the meeting through video Conference.During the meeting the members of PRIs and Municipal Committees appraised the Divisional Commissioner about the various measures undertaken in their respective jurisdictions for containment and mitigation of the Coronavirus outbreak in the rural areas of Kashmir.The meeting was told that the members of Panchayati Raj Institutions including Chairpersons of Block Development Councils, Sarpanches and Panches are working in close co-ordination with concerned district Administrations to contain the spread of Covid -19 infection.They further informed that Village Awareness and Monitoring Committees have been framed at Panchayat and Block Levels for purpose of creating awareness, surveillance and monitoring of Covid -19 among the rural masses and are making rural population aware about the benefits of wearing masks, frequent and proper washing of hands with soap, use of sanitizers and maintaining cleanliness in and around the villages fumigation/sanitization of work places, besides at markets/ business places which have been now allowed to operate.On the occasion, the Div Com sought cooperation from members of PRIs and Municipal Committees in fighting Covid-19 to avoid any outbreak. He also stressed on making people aware about the precautionary measures to be taken for maintaining thier physical as well as mental health.While appreciating the efforts made by Block Development Councils and Municipal Committees, the Divisional Commissioner said that PRIs and Municipal Committees have pivotal role in present situation in fighting Covid-19 pandemic. He urged them to intensify their efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.Responding to the suggestions put forth by PRI members, the Div Com assured them that all their suggestions will be considered and all possible support will be given from administrations to further strengthen these institutions particularly in curbing corrona virus disease.