The Fifth Finance Commission (FC) for Union Territories, headed by Anil Kumar Jha, today convened a high-level meeting here to evaluate the role of local governance institutions like Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes across Jammu and Kashmir. The commission members Amey Sapre and Secretary Binay Bhushan were also present on the occasion.
The meeting, among others, was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), J&K, Mandeep Kaur; Secretary, Rural Development (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and other concerned officers. The primary focus of the meeting was to assess the functioning of PRIs and ULBs in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, discussions were also held on the recommendations of State Finance Commission (SFC) report for Jammu and Kashmir, which suggested devolution to local bodies including those in the Ladakh region. Key areas discussed in the meeting included allocation of funds between the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh post-2019 reorganization, transfer of funds to local bodies and the distribution of grants recommended by the 14th and 15th Union Finance Commissions.
Commissioner Secretary, HUDD, Mandeep Kaur on the occasion discussed the role of ULBs in the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized the need for robust local governance structures to facilitate development.
Secretary, RDD, Dr Shahid Iqbal on the occasion provided an in-depth briefing to the commission members on the functioning of PRIs. He made out that Gram Panchayats (GPs), Block Development Councils (BDCs), and District Development Councils (DDCs) in Jammu and Kashmir operate under the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, and the J&K Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996.
He informed the commission that committees comprising elected members of PRIs and professionals/department officers have been established to manage natural resources, human resources, employment generation, self-help groups, finance and planning works and infrastructure development. Secretary, RDD also highlighted the challenges faced due to the no funds received under the 15th Finance Commission award, which has adversely impacted the infrastructure development plans.
He emphasized the need for adequate funding for the construction of Panchayat Ghars and recommended that a significant portion of grants should remain untied, allowing PRIs to address local needs and contingencies effectively. Dr Shahid stressed on the importance of non-sector-specific grants to enable local governments to prioritize localized needs and requirements.
Secretary, RDD also called for special concessions for areas with limited working seasons and challenging topographies, such as hilly regions, particularly concerning eligibility for performance grants.