AJKPC Rejects Ordinance on Panchayati Raj

Avoid Confrontation on Panchayati Raj Ordinance: AJKPC to Govt

Hold Debate, Avoid Confrontation on Panchayati Raj Ordinance: AJKPC to Govt

Jammu, 05/Nov/2017: Amidst latest development of governor NN Vohra giving his assent to the controversial Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance 2017, the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference has reacted sharply and called it back stabbing by the state government to the democratic institution of Panchayati Rajs in the state.

Anil Sharma, President of the Conference in a written statement issued to the media called it ‘deceitful act’ of the PDP-BJP coalition government  because as per the amendments made in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj  through this ordinance the fundamental  right of the people of this state have been snatched where they could elect their panches and Sarpacnhes in electioneering process. He said now as per this ordinance the people won’t be able to elect their sarpanches and they would be able to cast their votes only to elect their ward panch and the sarpanches shall be further elected by the panches.

Sharma said this is’ unacceptable’, India is the largest democracy in the world but instead of further decentralising the powers to the people, the present coalition gpvernment is trying to take away power from millions of village voters and give it to few hundred panches which cannot be justified in any way.

Questioning the timing of holding Panchayat  elections in the state and expressing displeasure  the AJKPC president said this is not conducive time to hold elections in the state and if the state government really feels it is appropriate time then first of all they should hold elections for the Anantnag Parliamentary seat which is repeatedly deferred due to unfavourable law and order situation in the state. He also asked the state government to hold debate with  all the stake holders including their organization and other political parties  and avoid any confrontation to hold these important elections in any haste.

On the question of assassination of over 20 elected Panchayat representatives in the state during last over 6 years, Sharma said this also shows absolute failure of the state government in protecting the lives of ground level people who work for ensuing democracy in the state. He also said that within few days, AJKPC  shall hold meeting with all senior leaders of their organization in Kashmir and Jammu and then they may also announce further strategy of their organization.