The All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) today demanded several benefits, including a monthly honorarium, for the members of Panchayat Courts.
The AJKPC, a body of elected Panchayat representatives, has asked the state government to immediately release monthly honorarium to all members of Panchayat Courts.
Accusing the J&K Panchayati Raj Minister of ignoring the grievances of the Judicial Committee members, AJKPC president Anil Sharma said the state government is least bothered to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and the grassroot-level judicial system.
The government is not only denying the implementation of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution, but also violating the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, he said.
"As per the act, the chairman and other members of Panchayat Courts are entitled for remuneration, but neither any officer nor the concerned minister coming clear on this issue," Sharma alleged.
The AJKPC demands prompt release of honorarium, helping staff, adequate infrastructure and proper training for judicial committee members, he said, adding "Panchayat Courts are part and parcel of the Panchayati Raj institutions and we won't allow any injustice to them".
It is an insult that even today Judicial Committee members have not been given Identity Cards, he said.
"In absence of any identity proof, they feel humiliated because whenever the chairman or any other member go to any local police unit or seek an appointment with a local magistrate they are not being recognised and are asked to establish their identity first," he added.
