Jammu and Kashmir President G.M. Shaheen has urged the Union Government to substantially enhance financial allocations and ensure timely release of funds for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the Union Territory, stating that empowered Panchayats are essential for grassroots development and inclusive governance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Shaheen said he has formally appealed to Union Minister for Panchayati Raj Lalan Singh, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system in Jammu and Kashmir. He said PRIs form the foundation of democratic decentralisation and that inadequate financial empowerment has severely limited their effectiveness.
Shaheen emphasised that without sufficient fiscal support, Panchayats are unable to carry out their constitutionally mandated functions, thereby weakening participatory decision-making, accountability and village-level development.
Referring to the unique developmental, geographic and administrative challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir, the JDU leader said Panchayats in the Union Territory require special financial assistance, greater functional autonomy and institutional strengthening to deliver meaningful outcomes. He added that enhanced funding is crucial for infrastructure development, livelihood generation, implementation of social welfare programmes and effective execution of both centrally sponsored and local schemes.
“Empowering Panchayats is not merely an administrative requirement but a democratic imperative,” Shaheen said, adding that strong and well-funded PRIs are vital for restoring public confidence, ensuring transparent governance and bridging the gap between the administration and the people.
Reiterating the party’s commitment to grassroots democracy, the JDU urged the Union Government to take immediate and concrete measures to transform Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir into empowered, responsive and development-driven institutions.
Comments are closed.