Govt rules out extension of 73rd amendment to J&K

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 10/6/2013 11:21:16 PM

SRINAGAR, Oct 6: The state government has completely ruled out extending the 73rd amendment of the constitution of India in Jammu and Kashmir.
In reply to a question by BJP MLA Jugal Kishore, in Legislative Assembly, the state government said, that such a move is not possible in view of the special constitutional position enjoyed by the state under the constitution of India.
“The 73rd amendment of the constitution of India is not applicable to the state of Jammu and Kashmir in view of the special constitutional position enjoyed by the state under the constitution of India. J&K as its own Panchayati Raj Act where almost all provisions of 73rd amendment Act have been applied. It has provision for creating of Halqa Panchayat, Block Development Council and Zila Parishad (District Development Board),” said the reply by minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar.
The minister also revealed that the dates were holding of elections to Block Development Councils are within the jusrisdiction of Chief Electoral Officer who is supposed to issue notification for holding of elections. As and when the notification will be issued the election will be held.
It may be recalled here that Congress, important coalition partner of National Conference has been strongly demanding empowering of Panchayats through 73rd amendment. PCC chief Prof Saif-u-Din Soz strongly led the campaign from the Congress camp. NC on its part had opposed the demand on the grounds that the Panchayati Raj Act of J&K gives enough powers to Panchayats. Dr Mustafa Kamal, senior leader of NC reacted strongly saying that extending of 73rd amendment to Jammu and Kashmir is like surrendering whatever autonomy is left in the state.
Later, Congress too softened its stand and said that important features of 73rd amendment be incorporated into the Panchayati Raj Act. NC agreed to it, however, no significant headway was made in this direction. Subsequently Congress again raised the issue recently.

 

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