Srinagar April 18 (KNS) : Stating that Congress will observe  24th April  as National Panchayat Raj Day, the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee ,(JKPCC) President G. A Mir has said  the 73rd and 74th  amendment of constitution  aiming to empower Panchayats, besides  ensuring 33% women reservation were landmark initiative of Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

JKPCC President was addressing a meeting of senior leaders, AICC Members, PCC Office bearers, DCC Presidents at Srinagar Party Office on Saturday.

JKPCC President said 73rd amendment of constitution came into force on 24th April,1993, subsequently, the 74th amendment was implemented on 1st June 1993 and emphasized  the Party leaders to gear up for observing 24th April as National Panchayat Raj Day to mark the historical initiatives of Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi .

Congress Party was committed to development of poor, downtrodden and other weaker section living in the country, besides the  decentralization of power at grass roots level, besides 33% women reservation in Panchaysts and ULBs  were Rajiv Gandhi’s dream come true, the party will continue to work in that direction G. A.Mir said.

The Party (Congress) will continue to oppose weakening of Panchayats and other democratic institutions,  it will vigorously work to further strengthen these (democratic institutions) to ensure development of people at grass root level G. A. Mir added and blamed the Govt  for undermining the authority of Panchayats.(KNS)