Jammu: J&K government on Friday said it will
introduce bills to include the provisions of 73rd Amendment
related to Panchayati Raj institutions in the state Act during
the upcoming session of the assembly, setting at rest the
controversy over the issue.
"An amendment for constitution of Election Commission
and Finance Commission for Panchayats will be introduced in
the ensuing assembly session in consonance with 73rd amendment
of Indian Constitution," Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said
here.
He said in line with the spirit of 73rd constitutional
amendment, the Election Commission will be established in the
state for which a bill will be introduced to amend the state`s
Panchayat Raj Act, 1989.
Similarly for setting up Finance Commission, a Bill
will be introduced to amend the Panchayat Raj Act 1989, he
said, adding that elected representatives at district level
will also be empowered to ensure efficient monitoring of
development schemes at the grassroot level.
The budget session of the J-K legislature is slated to
start from February 28.
Chairing meetings here, Omar said the government
has decided to conduct the panchayat polls on non-party
basis.
The Chief Minister directed the district
administrations to gear up for the panchayat polls, which he
said have to be completed by the end of May this year.
Congress, which is part of the ruling alliance, and
the opposition BJP had been demanding inclusion of 73rd
Amendment granting constitutional status to Pachayati Raj
institutions before holding panchayat elections in Jammu and
Kashmir.
PTI
