'NC-Cong trying to end differences on panchayat empowerment'

Resolution of differences between the coalition partners National Conference and Congress in Jammu and Kashmir over empowerment of panchayats "will take some time", Rahul Gandhi said today.
"One thing that has to be understood is that these things take time, these are processes that take time," he told reporters when asked if any headway has been made in ironing out differences between the two allies over empowerment of panchayats.
The Congress Vice-President, however, said both the parties were determined to resolve the issue.
"We had a chat some days back in Delhi. We are going to try and solve this problem. There are some issues. There is a strong intention on the part of both the sides to resolve this and we will make sure that the third tier of the government gets the power that it deserves," he said.

Rahul said empowerment of women, job creation for youths and transfer of power to Panchayati Raj institutions will remain the thrust areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Congress leader, who is taking interest in implementation of 'Umeed Scheme' launched by Union Rural Development Ministry for women in the state, said he would continue to work in these three areas.
"We want to bring in as many women under banking system as possible so that we can pull them out of poverty. Second is the job programme being run by (Union Rural Development Minister) Jairam Ramesh's Ministry and we have been very successful. We have got almost 16,000 jobs for youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The third thing that (Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister) Omar (Abdullah) and me are discussing is the Panchayati Raj. These are the three things we are trying to push," he said.