“When the Panchayati Raj is established, public opinion will do what violence can never do”
- Mahatma Gandhi
The Jammu & Kashmir state has been one of the pioneering states in the field of decentralized district planning with the introduction of an innovative initiative of “Single Line Administration” since 1976. The objective of this model was to decentralize the authority with a view to accelerate the pace of development programs and involves people participation in the process of development.
The lack of experience in grass roots democracy has led to the state and bureaucracy being alienated from the people all these years. Followed by the day which made its history i.e 05 Aug 2019 (Amendment of article 370) as it was seen by the locals as if the union territory has been overcast by the dark clouds. Everywhere in the air there was myth that people will never accept this change, this will be detrimental to democracy and will destroy development, may lead to blood bath and normalcy will never return in the state.
But, surprise came with a FLASH – ‘BDC Election’ in Dec 2020, in which there was huge participation from the voters and humongous enthusiasm amongst the candidates. It was like a ray of hope which emerged from the dark sky and spread its shine in all the directions, amongst all the ages, covering all districts of the union territory thus removing the overcast of myths present in the atmosphere. In no time development started its journey, this time with steady pace and appropriate mixture of concrete to pave its way towards solid base of development schemes at the grass root level. The only need felt was from the side of general public to start accepting the presence of mystical fragrance of development and its importance in the long run.
Kashmir Change – came with the wave after wave of surprises as people started placing blocks over blocks of positivity and growth, thus going against the odds by accepting the atmospheric changes and challenges for better tomorrow, now realizing the drama behind stone pelting, and other mischievous activities which nowhere leads to the path of prosperity, growth and happiness. Thus presenting Kashmir union territory in the world forum as a true paradise in all the aspects. Which can be seen in the form of changes at grass root level being it BDC elections, strengthening the panchayati raj institutions which will not only lead to effective governance but also to, greater development and a better integration of the people within the union territory as well as The Indian Union, hosting of Indian Flag in schools, colleges, govt institutes, hospitals, you name it and you can hear the patriotic tarang of National Anthem from all the directions on the eve of 75th Independence day followed by blessings from the god in the form of light rain.
The panchayats now have started utilizing their powers at the grass root level like, opening of new schools at primary level at every 5 Kms, introducing Youth Club in each districts which will facilitate constructive engagement of youth in the fields of sports, culture, academics, etc. Similarly, there are lots of development schemes which are in pipeline in the fields of basic infrastructure like power, irrigation, communication, broadcasting, health etc and for every section of the society without any discrimination based on caste, colour, creed and gender, which is a healthy sign towards prosperity and nation building. Thus helping the local government to further deepen their roots into the main stream of democracy in India.
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