Jammu:Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the Parliamentary Outreach Programme for the empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, Srinagar, today.Speaking on this occasion, Union Minister of State for the Ministries of Jal Shakti and Food Processing Industries Shri Prahlad Singh Patel referred to various government schemes like Pradhan MantriAwasYojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan MantriUjjwalaYojana that have reached the intended beneficiaries in the recent past. He said that in democracy, Panchayats have a significant role in channelizing of the fruits of development at the grass-root level. Shri Patel also said that government schemes, which have been overseen by the representatives of local bodies, have improved the way of life of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha said that Gram Panchayats and PRIs are at the heart of our development process and they can provide good governance at the grass-root level. Referring to the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, he hailed the implementation of the three tier Panchayati Raj system in Jammu and Kashmir. Shri Sinha also said also said that enhanced budgetary support to the PRIs in Jammu and Kashmir is ensuring rapid development of the Union Territory. He also called for improving transparency and accountability of democratic institutions and use of technology in this regard. By 2024, all the households in Jammu and Kashmir will be provided 24×7 electricity, said Shri Sinha.
