Srinagar: The ruling National Conference and its coalition partner Congress have resolved the issue related to empowering Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said on Wednesday.
"The issue of 73rd amendment of the Constitution has been resolved mutually by the coalition partners and now there is no difference of opinion in this regard," he told reporters after inaugurating Government Treasuries at Awantipora in Pulwama and Achabal in Anantnag district.
He said both the partners have mutually agreed to incorporate all such clauses of the 73rd amendment in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act that are in the interest of the people of the state.
He said though due to special constitutional guarantees, the 73rd amendments cannot be applied directly in the State Panchayati Raj Act, there is no restriction on incorporating good clauses of the amendment in the State Act.
"Both the coalition partners now have no difference over incorporating good clauses of the 73rd amendment in the Panchayati Raj Act," Rather said.
The opening of the two Treasuries has raised their total number to 68 in the Valley and 123 in the state.
"The opening of these Treasuries will ease functioning of the 41 drawing and disbursing officers who till now had to travel long distances to cross check their accounts," he said.
Besides, a large number of pensioners, widows and handicapped persons of these areas will also get respite from travelling long distances to get their monthly pensions.
Regarding LPG issue, the Minister said a group of J and K ministers had recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought a special package in view harsh winter and difficult topographical conditions in the State.
PTI
