Panchayat elections in J&K will empower people at ground level: Sagar

The upcoming panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will ensure empowerment of people at grass-root level, besides accelerating the pace of development of rural areas, a senior minister said here.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a model village at Lohai-malhar here today, Minister of Rural Development, Panchayat and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar said that it was up to the people to “ensure full participation” in the panchayat elections.

A cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on February 9 decided that three-tier panchayat elections on non-party basis will be held in the State and process for polls will be completed by May-end.

The absence of Panchayat Raj institutions in the State hampered flow of funds from the Centre for rural development and the early establishment of these institutions will accelerate development works in rural areas, said Mr. Sagar.

The Minister warned that strict action would be initiated against those officials found misusing funds allotted for development.

While praising the role played by rural development schemes in changing the landscape of villages, the Minister said that an amount of Rs 650 crore had been earmarked under MGNREGA for the State. He also urged people to come forward and avail maximum benefits from the MGNREGA scheme.