Srinagar, Jun 23 (JKNS): Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar on Tuesday said that local governance is vital for effective administration and development, and assured that a decision regarding strengthening grassroots democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir would be taken soon.
Addressing the “Seva Se Samriddhi” Regional Workshop on Panchayat-Led Service Delivery at SKICC Srinagar, Dar, as per news agency JKNS, thanked the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for selecting Jammu and Kashmir as the venue for the important deliberations on rural governance and service delivery.
He said the workshop’s theme, “Seva Se Samriddhi”, was highly relevant in the present era, where technology is playing a transformative role in governance and public service delivery.
The Minister said Jammu and Kashmir has made significant progress in information technology and digital governance, adding that almost all Panchayats in the Union Territory are now digitally connected.
“Today, our Panchayats are connected through technology, enabling them to implement various schemes and programmes more efficiently. Rural governance has become more advanced and accessible due to digital interventions,” he said.
Dar acknowledged that there had been delays in local governance processes but maintained that grassroots institutions remain essential for improving governance and strengthening public participation in development.
“Personally and as a government, we firmly believe that local governance is extremely important for better administration. A lot of developmental work can be carried out more effectively when local representatives are actively involved,” he said.
He assured participants that the government would soon take a decision regarding local governance and grassroots democratic institutions in consultation with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
“On behalf of the government, I assure all delegates that a decision on local governance will be taken soon. We want our local representatives to actively participate in governance and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat,” Dar said.
The Minister also highlighted challenges posed by climate change and global warming, particularly in rain-fed areas of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that schemes such as watershed development and other rural development initiatives were being implemented to address emerging concerns.
He said that while several challenges remain, the government is committed to tackling them through strong leadership, better planning and convergence of various developmental sectors.
Dar expressed confidence that the issues and recommendations discussed during the workshop would help shape future policies and strengthen rural governance across Jammu and Kashmir.
He thanked the delegates, officials and participants for attending the event and reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development and effective grassroots governance. (JKNS)
