New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh Friday said local body polls in
Jammu and Kashmir will be of historic significance in many ways and
help re-establish the long overdue grassroots democracy.
In a statement, the home minister said the central government will
provide all support, including central forces, for smooth conduct of
panchayat and urban local body polls.
Central Government is providing all possible support to the State
Government for smooth conduct of these elections including
deployment of Central forces in sufficient numbers.
Elections to Local Bodies
These Local Body elections will have a historic significance in many
aspects. The local bodies elections in J&K will re-establish the long
overdue grassroots level democracy in J&K.
Urban Local Body elections are being held after 2005 and Panchayat
Elections after 2011. Provision of Direct elections for Sarpanches of the
Panchayats has also been restored to ensure accountability.
These elections will also pave the way for making available nearly Rs.
4,335 Crs of 14th Finance Commission Central grants to the duly
constituted local bodies. But for these elections, people of J&K would
have been deprived of these funds meant for their welfare.
Local Bodies are also being vested with significantly enhanced
devolution of powers in line with best practices in the country. This will
enable them to address most of the local issues in their jurisdictions.
The functions and functionaries of all the 29 subjects transferred to
Panchayats under the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution of India
will also be transferred to the Panchayats of J&K including institutions
like Primary Health Centers, Primary Schools, Aganwadi Centers to
name a few.
Financial Powers of Panchayats are being enhanced 10 times from Rs
10 thousand to Rs 1 Lakh for Panchayats. Similarly, from Rs 25
Thousand to Rs 2.5 Lakhs for Block Councils.
Powers for “Own fund generation” are being given to Panchayats.
These will include Building Permission Fee, Taxes on entertainment,
advertisement, hoardings, various kinds of businesses & profession etc.
Central and State Government funds will further supplement “Own
funds” of the Panchayats under various schemes such as MGNERGA,
PMAY, ICDS, Mid-Day meal etc.
In addition to selection of eligible beneficiaries for various schemes,
Panchayats will also be involved in the implementations of Key National
Schemes such as National Health Mission, Samagraha Siksha, Mission
for development of Horticulture, ATMA, PMKSY etc
On an average every Panchayat will now get around Rs. 50-80 Lakhs per
year at its disposal for implementation of such schemes. To further
strengthen the Panchayats, additional posts are being sanctioned for
Accountant, Data Entry operator, Block Panchayat Inspector etc.
Strengthening of the Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development
Councils (LAHDC and KAHDC)
The Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC and
KAHDC) have been strengthened and empowered to become the most
autonomous councils in the country to address various issues being
faced by people living in the remote areas of Ladakh region.
The LAHDC & KAHDC have been given more powers to levy and collect
local taxes. Control has been given over functioning of various
departments as well as the Government employees working for the
subjects that are transferred to them.
All such properties like public buildings, public roads constructed by
LAHDC & KAHDC shall now belong to the council. Funds allocated to
these councils from the State Budget can now be carried forward for
the next year.
The Panchayats in Kargil and Leh will also follow directions of these
councils. Chief Executive Councillor will also be the Chairman of all
Tourism Development Authorities. These Councils will also have a
Deputy Chairman for better functioning.
Special Police Officers
Considering the crucial role being played by the Special Police Officers
in anti-militancy operations, MHA has enhanced their honorarium from
existing Rs 6,000 per month to 9,000 on completion of 5 years and Rs
12,000 on completion of 15 years.
Financial Assistance to West Pakistan Refugees settled in J&K
MHA has approved a scheme of Rs 5.5 Lakh financial assistance to
nearly 5,764 West Pakistan Refugees settled in J&K. Amounts due to
the eligible beneficiaries will be transferred in their bank accounts.
The State Government has designated Divisional Commissioner Jammu
as the nodal officer for effective & speedy disbursement of the amount
to all eligible beneficiaries.
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