J&K govt dissolves Panchayats, gives power to BDOs

The Jammu and Kashmir government today issued a notification for dissolution of Panchayats on completion of five years term and conferred the powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions on Block Development Officers and Panchayat Secretaries.
"The Sarpanchs and Panchs have ceased to exist on completion of terms and issuance of notification to this effect," an official spokesman said.
In view of the five year term of Gram Panchayats completed on July 14, the spokesman said the department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has issued instructions to Director Rural Development that in absence of elected gram panchayat, the functions of Grams Panchayats and other day to day functions shall be conferred upon Block Development Officers and Panchayat Secretaries for smooth functioning of panchayats.

This has been done to ensure that developmental activities are not hampered, he said.
There are a total of 4198 Gram Panchayats in state out of which 1964 are in Jammu and 2234 in Kashmir for which process has already been initiated by the Chief Electoral Officer for revision of rolls and District Panchayat Election Plans formulated and submitted by District Election Officers, he said.
"Till the election process is completed the functions of panchayats will be delivered by the BDOs and respective Panchayat Secretaries," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the decision would enable uninterrupted flow of funds for developmental works in absence of elected gram panchayats and will also ensure regular funding under all the Centrally Sponsored Schemes especially MGNREGA which entails conduct of regular Gram Sabha meetings for approval of works and budgets.

"The fiscal flow to the panchayats will be maintained by the department through the notified officials," the spokesman said.
Earlier, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Abdul Haq Khan issued instructions to Directors and Assistant Commissioners for ensuring proper functioning of developmental teams at grassroots level till elections are conducted for which process has already been initiated for having elected panchayats in place.