Governor Syed Ahmed on Tuesday directed nine additional departments to give full authorities to panchayats for all the works performed at panchayat level. In State five departments have already been directed to empower the panchayats.
The additional departments are, Drinking Water & Sanitation Department, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, Department of Water Resources, Art, Culture & Youth Affairs Department, Department of Food & PDS, Department of Forest & Environment, land Reforms & Revenue Department, Department of Industries and Rural Development Department.
The Governor directed the concerned officials to ensure that this devolution of powers is rendered as soon as possible. “Make the written draft for the devolution and ensure that it is passed in the next meeting of advisory council scheduled on May 15. Delay is unpardonable,” he directed the departments concerned.
The Governor reiterated his commitment towards this devolution at several occasions. But he expressed displeasure over the fact that the departments, who had been already directed to empower panchayats, had failed to do so because of departmental inertia.
He also directed to organise a conference of all elected mukhiyas. The conference would aware them of their rights and powers. Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh might also join the conference as and when it happens.