Govt undermining authority of Panchayatas: G A Mir | KNO

Taking a dig at Coalition Govt of PDP and BJP, Mir blamed the Govt for undermining the authority of the PRIs in the state to gain political mileage out of it, for the fact PDP BJP have lost the ground miserably and is indulging in unfair means.

Mir while speaking on the party’s political convention in SKICC Srinagar today, he said Congress Party feels highly concerned about the fate of Panchayati Raj Institutions under the present dispensation in the State, as the efforts are being made by the Coalition Govt to erode the authorities of PRIs with the fear of losing power, as both coalition partners are in no position to face the electorates.

Describing the Congress as the architect of Panchayat Raj, Mir said we have put in place strenuous efforts to empower Panchayatas in-order to ensure development of people, especially poor, downtrodden and rural people from grass roots level, but this is unfortunate that inspite of empowering PRIs and ULBs State Govt led by Mehbooba Mufti has indulged in Delimitation of Panchayats and ULBs which is being undertaken in a very short span of time, indicative of conspiracies being hatched to make use of Democratic Institutions for personal benefit by PDP BJP. He said Govt is interfering in PRI just to save its sinking boat.

He said State Govt before going for Delimitation should think of fate of AoA, which is biting the dust even after two years of taking the reins of the State, they should think of the unfulfilled promises they have made with the people by betraying and backstabbing them after securing votes, there is a complete mayhem in the state, as both the coalition partners have adopted wrong and anti-people policies leading to their alienation.

He said the State Govts to plan regarding delimitation of Panchayats and wards is a deliberate move to make use of PRI for political benefit on the part of PDP BJP which should not be allowed at any cost. The reorganization of every Panchayat into odd number of Panch Constituency is nothing, but just a conspiracy to undermine the authority of PRIs.

He urged upon the Govt that Panchayatas must be allowed to work without any kind of interference as per the State’s Panchayat Raj Act as any interference on the part of State in PRIs tantamounts to damaging the Panchayat Raj Institutions in the State, which is going to have serious implications on the functioning of Panchayatas and developmental scenario of the State at grass roots level.

Congress Party rejects the delimitation of Panchayats and ULBs at this point of time, although Congress Party is ready to face the challenges in the democratic process with full might, but at the same time, the party condemns the untimely delimitation of Panchayats and ULBs.

He said Congress is committed to strengthen the PRIs and ULBs at all levels, but will not allow the coalition to undermine the authority of PRIs for personal political benefit.

Among others who addressed the convention included MLC G. N. Monga, MLA Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, Mohd Anwar Bhat Vice Presidents, MLA Usman Majeed, MLA Gulzar Ahmad Wani, Spokesperson Farooq Andrabi, General Secretary Shoiab Nabi Lone and others

Those who were present included District Presidents Nazir Ahmad Khan, Hilal Ahmad Shah, Shameema Iqbal, G. N. Mir Lasjan, Zahid Hussain Jan, Abdul Qayoom Shah, G. M. Mir, Shameema Raina, Abid Khasmiri, Irfan Naqib, Mohd Iqbal Mir, Manzoor Ahmad Ganai, Amir Rasool, Farhat Qureshi, Dr. Syed, Yaqoob Vakil, Irfan Ahmad Bhat, Maroof Ahmad Wani, Shameema Mir and others.

Meanwhile, J&K Congress President G.A. Mir has demanded Rs. 25,000 should be deposited in the account of at least one woman belonging to each BPL family as compensation for the immense suffering caused to women due to demonetization.

On the eve of political convention called here on the issue of demonetization the state president demands immediate lift of restrictions on withdrawal of money.

He said that, “Till the time these restrictions are in place, a special interest at the rate of 18% per annum should be given to all bank account holders. We demand that all charges on digital transactions should be abolished forthwith.”

Mir further said that the rate of rations distributed under the PDS system should be halved for the period of a year under the provisions of the Food Security Act. In addition, a special one-time bonus of 20% should be provided over and above the MSP of all Rabi crops.

Adding that, the number of guaranteed work days and the wage rate under MGNREGA should be doubled for a period of one year.

“The government should organize a special drive to identify and register all those who have lost their jobs since November 8, 2016, and provide them compensation at the applicable minimum wage rate for a time period extending upto31st March, 2017,” Mir said.

While demanding the Income Tax and Sales tax rebate of 50% should be given to small shopkeepers.