Srinagar, May 20 (KNS): President of Democratic Party Nationalist (DPN) and former minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir addressed a meeting of Sarpanchs and Panchs at Hotel Greenz in Tangmarg.

Mir said that grass root democracy is the essence of democratic set up. However, he said that this institution in Jammu and Kashmir was always neglected.

He added the role of Panchayat institution is to reach out at grass root level. “The development process at grass root level is not possible without this institution. Panchayat system cannot become vibrant and potentially effective until all three levels i.e Panchayat ‘Block and District levels are not functional,” he added.

Mir said Panchs and Sarpanchs are to be educated with the functions of the system, saying that there are some important functionaries who put hurdles in the working of this institution.

He also urged the Government to strengthen this institution, stating that DPN was the staunch votary for grass root Democratic institutions. (KNS)