Bandipora/Sopore, October 30: The Congress Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan (RGPRS), Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday held public outreach programmes in Shahgund block of Bandipora and Sopore under its Jan Samvad–Awami-Rabita campaign, calling for stronger grassroots democratic institutions and greater public participation in local governance.
The programmes were held under the chairmanship of RGPRS J&K Chairman Er. Mudasir Lolabi and the guidance of its J&K In-charge Thakur Hirapal Singh.
During the interactions, RGPRS leaders met local residents, former elected representatives and party workers, highlighting the role of Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in decentralised governance. They said people should have a direct role in decision-making and that local issues could be addressed effectively through functioning grassroots institutions.
The leaders criticised the delay in holding Panchayat and ULB elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the absence of elected representatives had weakened grassroots participation and deprived people of local representation. They called for early restoration of elected local bodies.
The programme at Shahgund was organised by RGPRS J&K General Secretary Inam-ul-Haq Bhat, while the Sopore programme was organised by Shahjahan Dar, District Chairman RGPRS Baramulla.
Those present included RGPRS J&K General Secretary Gagandeep Singh, RGPRS Baramulla District Co-Chairman Akhtar Ahmad, youth leader Kunwar Jamwal, former elected representatives, Congress leaders, party workers and local residents.
The leaders urged people to participate in Gram Sabhas and raise issues concerning transparency, accountability and local governance. They also appealed to the public to attend the party’s proposed rally at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi.
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