Omar reviews status of devolution of powers to panchayats

Omar expressed satisfaction over the process of transfer of powers to the panchayats, emphasising on capacity building of panches and sarpanches to utilise these powers in full, an official spokesman said after the interaction.

"Elections to panchayats in the state were held after over 30 years and the period of transition from one system to another takes some time," the spokesman quoted Omar as saying.

The Chief Minister said the feedback he received at Jammu and Srinagar interaction sessions regarding the transfer of powers and their utilisation reflects positivity. However, there is need to further gear up in this direction and build necessary capacities in panchayat members so that they utilise these powers fully, he said.

Omar said the commitment of government for an empowered three-tier Panchayat Raj system in the state is firm and final.

"We are creating an atmosphere in which panchayats will be responsible for plan formation and implementation of development schemes at panchayat Halqa, Block and District levels," he said.

The BDC elections are in offing which will further catapult the process of involvement of panchayats in the plan formation and development, he said. (MORE)