Jammu Tawi, Nov 23: The Administrative Council (AC) which
met here under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor,
Manoj Sinha, approved the delegation of powers for granting
Administrative Approval to Gram Panchayats, Block Samitis and
Zila Parishads for execution of works, the expenditure of which
will be met out of Panchayats' own resources.
According to a statement, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the
Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary,
J&K attended the meeting.
The statement reads in order to promote the involvement of PRIs
in the development process; the Government has further
empowered the Panchayati Raj Institutions financially.
“Sequel to this decision the Gram Panchayats have been vested
with an authority to accord Administrative Approval to works from
Rs 1.00 to Rs 5.00 Lakh, the Block Samitis have been delegated
powers to accord Administrative Approval to works ranging from
Rs 5.00 to Rs 20.00 Lakh and the Zila Parishad now has the
powers to accord Administrative Approval upto Rs. 1 Crore.”
It reads the PRIs will be able to incur expenditure as per General
Financial Rules and guidelines related to AA, TS, and e-
tendering.
“The decision comes as a significant step towards empowering
PRIs as it shall enable them to set their own priorities and help
them in timely execution of works out of the own resources of the
panchayats.”
It added in the backdrop of its mission to enhance inclusive
growth of rural areas in the Union territory, the Government
through this decision aims to promote self reliance in financial
matters.
