Srinagar, March 11 (KNS): District development chairperson from Budgam Nazir Ahmad Khan has said that the protocol order issued by the government for the local self governance bodies is a last straw in the camel’s back. 

In a statement issued to news agency KNS he said that hopes and expectations of the public as well as elected representatives of DDC, BDC and Panchayats have not been taken into considerations while working out the protocol.

"An elected member is meant to address public and developmental and welfare issues of his area. To do it effectively, the elected members have to be given the means, finances, powers and authority to take decisions and implement them timely," he said.

Khan said that since no such thought has been given to this requirement and no provisions made in the ‘Protocol Order’, 100% elected DDC members are on protest.

Khand suggested that to empower elected representatives, status and emoluments of DDC  chairperson should be at par with MP, since chairperson of the complementary district planning committee is MP. "For the rest of the members status and emoluments be fixed accordingly."

He suggested that DDC chairpersons should be empowered with judicial, financial and revenue powers  as of Divisional Commissioner.

"District, Block and Panchayat Development grants be allotted to the chairperson and Sarpanches for on the spot sanction and prompt execution of development or welfare activities. The amount should be  equal to the amount of MLA’s Constituency Development Funds."

He further suggested that travel and telephone grant of the chairpersons of DDC should be equal to MP and that of Block be equal to MLA. (KNS)