Jammu, November 10:(KNS) PCC Chief Spokesperson and former MLC Ravinder Sharma(Advocate) met the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha here today at Raj Bhwan Jammu and discussed various issues of public concern including the security concerns in view of the ongoing elections to the Panchayat bodies.
Sharma brought to the notice of Lt. Governor the issues of corruption affecting the general public and urged for strengthening the institutions of accountability and transparency to expose and deal with corrupt elements . He appreciated his efforts to deal with such issues but urged for further step up efforts in this direction. He sought strengthening of RTI in Jammu and Kashmir, as the RTI movement , a transparency mechanism has weakened with the abrogation of JK RTI Act. It is vital for transparency and accountability and check corruption.
Appreciating establishment of election commission for Panchayats he sought establishment of ombudsman and finance commission for PRIs as per provision of 73rd amendment incorporated in Jammu and Kashmir state laws.
In a memorandum to the Lt. Governor, he took up the issue of compensation to the land owners and farmers of Siot, Lamberi and adjoining areas of Sunderbani-Nowshera affected by the road widening of Sunderbani-Rajouri-Poonch road. It is unfortunate that the market rate of road side land is more than 50 lac per Kanal, while the Revenue Authorities had recommended 30 lac per kanal, whereas the land compensation at the meager rate of Rs.4.70 lac has been recommended which too has not been disbursed and the authorities are taking over and forcibly demolishing property of owners.
Mr. Sharma also brought to his notice that the election to different Panchayat bodies have been announced but Panchayat Siot Lower was not included in the notification despite resignation of Sarpanch for a couple of months. The Dist. Administration and Rural Development department authorities were aware and had already processed, how over the Siot Lower Panchayat has been left out in this election process which is injustice and demanded simultaneous election to the vacant seats of Sarpanch and a Panch ward in the said Panchayat immediately.
Mr. Sharma also sought restoration of BDO Block & Niabat at Devak, Sub Division Sunderbani, Tehsil Rajouri, as the remote and far flung area was sanctioned BDO Block and Niabat on merits vide Govt. order No.289-RD&PR of 2014 Dt. 21-10-2014(annexureA), however the said administrative unit has been cancelled recently without considering the genuineness of the sanction, by the previous Congress-NC Govt.
Mr. Sharma also brought to the notice the issue of Beripattan Tehsil and demanded creation of Additional Tehsil to resolve the issue of Beripattan Tehsil HQ between two areas of two Sub Divisions of Sunderbani and Nowshera , as people are suffering.
He also took up the demand of the ex-servicemen of border belt of Sunderbani and Nowshera who are seeking better ECHS facilities and a Sainik Welfare Hall at Sunderbani which needs to be taken up on priority.
Referring to the issues of DPs of 1947 regarding full package as recommended by the state govt. in 2014 besides stream ling the disbursement of pending amount as well as issue of EP Department & PRO Depts, Mr. Sharma apprised him of the various steps which needs his immediate attention. He also demanded that the local allottees/occupants & the DPs of 1965 & 71 of EP lands should be given occupancy rights and be not subjected to any undue harassment by the authorities.
He also sought special recruitment drive for the border youth of Sunderbani - Nowshera and other areas in Army and Paramilitary services.
He also sought his urgent attention towards the issues of Daily wagers, need based and casual labours besides contractual and temporary employees which should be resolved on priority being very genuine.
He also took up the demands of the enhancement of honorarium of Anganwari workers & helpers and namberdars & Chowkidars working on meager wages.
Mr. Sharma also urged for considering the genuine left out voters and genuine requests for transposition of voters as per law. (KNS)