SRINAGAR, AUGUST 16- State Government today issued notification for dissolution of Panchayats on completion of 5 years term and conferred the powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on Block Development Officers and Panchayat Secretaries. The Sarpanchs and Panchs have ceased to exist on completion of terms and issuance of notification to this effect.

          In view of the 5 year term of Gram Panchayats completed on 14th July 2016 the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in terms of Section (5) of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act 1989 has issued instructions to Directors Rural Development that in absence of elected gram panchayats and till such elections are conducted the functions of Grams Panchayats and other day to day function shall be conferred upon Block Development Officers and Panchayat Secretaries for smooth functioning of panchayats and to ensure that developmental activities are not hampered.

          There are a total of 4198 Gram Panchayats in state out of which 1964 are in Jammu and 2234 in Kashmir for which process has already been initiated by the Chief Electoral Officer for revision of rolls and District Panchayat Election Plans formulated and submitted by District Election Officers. Till the election process is completed the functions of panchayats will be delivered by the BDOs and respective Panchayat Secretaries.

          The decision will unable uninterrupted flow of funds for developmental works in absence of elected gram panchayats and will also ensure regular fudning under all the Centrally Sponsored Schemes especially MGNREGA which entails conduct of regular Gram Sabha meetings for approval of works and budgets. The fiscal flow to the panchayats will be maintained by the department through the notified officials.

          Earlier, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Mr Abdul Haq Khan issued instructions to Directors and Assistant Commissioners for ensuring proper functioning of developmental teams at grassroots level till elections are conducted for which process has already been initiated for having elected panchayats in place.