District Development Council Kathua met today under the chairmanship of Chairman Col. Mahan Singh (Retd) to have Preliminary discussion on formulation of Plan for ensuing Financial Year 2023-24 here at its Office Building in Lakhanpur.
Addressing the council, the DDC Chairman said Article 243 G of Indian Constitution which provides 3 Tier Panchayati Raj System gives power, authority and responsibilities to PRIs to achieve holistic development of Rural India.
He also read out 29 subjects mentioned in 11th Scheduled of the constitution which he said should be devolved to PRIs by respective State/UT Govt.Col Mahan Singh asserted that the United Nations to which India is also one if the signatory has set in 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said the Department of Rural Development has further set in 9 themes for achieving socio- economic development in rural areas.The DDC Chairman urged the UT Administration to form Committees at Panchayats, Blocks and District Levels for Plan Formulation in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Government of India.
Col Mahan also demanded adequate resources such as Manpower, Infrastructure and Funds for effective functioning of PRIs. He said 3 Tier Panchayati Raj in UT of J&K requires sincere efforts to strengthen this institution.
The DDC Chairman directed the officers to ensure utmost transparency in allocation of funds and involve Block and Zila Councils in the plan formulation process. He requested the public representatives present to prioritize works and avoid duplication of projects in the consolidated plan.
Vice Chairman, DDC Raghunandan Singh, DDC members, BDC Chairpersons, ADDC Kathua, ACD, CPO, ACP, DPO, XEN REW & BDOs of all 19 blocks were present during the meeting.