JK govt agrees to include 73rd amend. provisions in state Act

JAMMU: J-K government today 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.