SRINAGAR: District Administration Srinagar today organised a workshop on “role and functions of District and Block Development Councils in three-tier Panchayati Raj System” and sensitized the newly elected members about their role in developmental process, planning, budgeting, functional responsibilities and inter-sectoral coordination.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Shahid Choudhary, addressed the newly elected members of District Development Councils and Block Development Councils about the delegation of functions and designated functionaries and earmarked funds at the disposal of District and Block level councils apart from Gram Panchayats. He also dwelled on the steps being taken by the administration to strengthen the three-tier Panchayati Raj system and also establishment of newly elected district council. He also called upon the district and sectoral officers to coordinate with the District and Block councils for participatory planning process and redressal of issues locally.
Dr Shahid briefed about the roles and functions District Development Council, Block Development Councils and Gram Panchayats and laid emphasis on special focus for development in areas of education, welfare, infrastructure development, better functioning of field institutions and establishments, revenue generation activities and effective implementation of centrally sponsored schemes.
He also discussed about the planning and budgeting process to be adopted while formulation of plans, financial regulations and administrative frameworks. He also discussed about the functionaries at Panchayat, Block and District level for effective functioning of PRIs.
Jt Director Planning Mohammad Yaseen Lone made a detailed power point presentation on functional responsibilities of Gram Panchayats, District and Block Development Councils with special focus on various panchayat level committees mandated for specific roles and functions related to education, water supply, ICDS, environment, mining, resource management; as well as functions related to land, infrastructure and functionality of institutions apart from budgetary process.
Superintendent of Police, Superintending Engineers, Sun-Divisional Magistrates, District and sectoral officers of all departments, Block level officers, banks and financial institutions, project heads and other officers were present in the meeting. Chairman and Vice-Chairman of District Development Council, Srinagar, Chairpersons of Block Development Councils, Gram Panchayat heads and chairpersons of various committees attended the one day workshop.
Chairperson of District and Block Development Councils while speaking on the occasion hailed the seriousness and efforts of district administration for organising regular interaction with departments and initiative of capacity bundling of PRIs enabling better planning and functioning.
Meanwhile, district administration has also established a dedicated cell to assist the PRIs for planning and budgeting issues as well local developmental plans, functional responsibilities and improving the public service delivery. Establishment of offices has also been notified.
