Addressing public rallies in Rajouri district, state minister Shabir Ahmed Khan noted that people have placed their hopes on public representatives and they have an important role in formation and implementation of development plans at grassroots level.
He said holding of BDC elections will further empower the panchayats and increase responsibilities of panches and sarpanches.
Shabir asked people to be informed about their rights and seek due share in development process.
He claimed the opposition is resorting to propaganda tactics against the ruling coalition fearing an "embarrassing defeat" in the forthcoming elections.
Shabir assured of ensuring maximum empowerment of panchayat bodies, and said the J&K Panchayati Raj Act will be further broadened for the purpose.
Asking panchayat members to cast their vote in favour of coalition candidates, Shabir asked them to be cautious of the "bogus" propaganda by the opposition.
Shabir said MLC elections will be followed by elections to Block development Councils to pave the way for a vibrant three-tier Panchayati Raj System in the state.
