Page 15 - MGMG July to December 2019 Special Issue

government procedures, legal and illegal works acted as a roadblock in effective implementation of
developmental programmes.
Lack of mass awareness about the significance of elected body was another challenge before the
department as most of the villagers were unaware of the importance of the Panchayati Raj, its role and
significance for sustainable development of Panchayats.
As the previous governments were reluctant to devolve powers for self-governance to the local rural
bodies, the public at large and those who had fought election last time had become disenchanted and
hence there was no enthusiasm for participating in such polls.
STRATEGY ADOPTED:
Determined to strengthen the institutions of Local Self Governance in J&K and to provide a robust
platform for socio-economic development at grassroots level by preventing the loss of central funds due
to the lack of local rural bodies, the Governor gave his assent to hold elections, much to the delight of
the public.
The Department adopted multi-pronged approach, path-breaking measures, innovations, reforms and
much-needed amendments in the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. As a result, massive participation was
witnessed from even the restive districts of J&K.
A well planned out strategy was adopted which consisted of:-

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