Empowering panchayats will boost development in villages in J&K: BJP

Ahead of the panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP said Monday that empowering the local self-governance bodies will boost development in villages of the state.

Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in nine phases beginning November 17.

"Empowerment of panchayats will ensure a boost to the development of villages in the state. We hope people of the state will vote in large numbers in these polls," BJP state general secretary Dr Narinder Singh told reporters here.

The party also expresses its gratitude toward Jammu and Kashmir governor for amending the Panchayati Raj Act to empower the panchayats, he said.

Polling will be held on November 17, 20, 24, 27 and 29, and December 1, 4, 8 and 11 in the 35,096 panchayats in the state. The entire election process would be completed by December 17.

The empowerment of panchayats is based on '3Fs' (funds, functionaries and functions), Brigadier (retired) Anil Gupta said.

Explaining 'funds' for panchayats, Singh said the Centre has earmarked Rs 3,209 crore for the rural bodies and it will be directly given to them panchayats.

He said each panchayat will have Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore for a year depending on their size.

Singh said as for 'functionaries', an additional 117 posts of panchayat inspectors are being for better coordination between panchayats and blocks.

Speaking on 'functions', Gupta said implementation of state and centrally sponsored welfare schemes will be ensured.

He said funds for all above schemes and mid-day meals will be routed through Panchayats.

Panchayats can levy local taxes and will exercise control over grazing grounds, Singh said, adding that monitoring and supervision of schools and health institutions within the limit of panchayats.

Panchayat will grant building permissions in rural areas and the revenue generated will be credited to them.

He also said panchayats will conduct concurrent and quarterly social audit of works and programmes in their areas.