Omar aims at fully empowering Panchayat Raj system in J-K

Facing flak from ally Congress over its alleged failure to fully empower Panchayat Raj system in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today promised to soon make it a reality.
"A three-tier and fully empowered Panchayat system ruling the roost in the state will also be a reality. The fully empowered Panchayat System in the state is my goal," he said.
Omar was speaking to a group of Sarpanches and Panches who called on him here today to discuss issues related to strengthening of Panchayat and expanding their orbit of activities.
The Chief Minister described establishment of Panchayat Raj by enacting 73rd and 74th amendments of Central PRI Act in Jammu and Kashmir as a historic measure to strengthen democratic institutions from grassroot level and empower people to draw blueprints of development.

The Congress as well as Opposition parties besides Panchayat members were critical of Omar Abdullah government for its alleged failure to empower Panchayat Raj system in the state which would give decision making and financial powers to Panchayats.
Even Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has been demanding implementation of these acts in Jammu and Kashmir and its Youth Congress members have held anti-government and anti-Omar protests in the past.
"My government rejuvenated Panchayats in the State by holding elections after a gap of over 30 years even though speculations and suspicions were floated by many in this regard when we decided to hold Panchayat polls. We went ahead and today the Panchayat Raj in the State is a reality," he said.