Panchayat system best tool to curb corruption: Omar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said Panchayats are the best tool to curb corruption and ensure transparency.

“We have reconstituted Accountability Commission and constituted Vigilance Commission to tackle corruption but the best tool in this regard are Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs),” Omar said addressing a public meeting after e-inauguration of 200 Panchayat ghars at Kijpora in Kangan area of Ganderbal District.

Omar also announced Rs 70 crores financial grants to Panchayat institutions for undertaking various development works in their Halqas.

The Chief Minister said many speculations and anti- Panchayat poll propaganda was let loose by the main Opposition to derail the process of establishing powerful Panchayat system in the state.

He said the PDP leadership piloted and passed a Bill in the Legislature aimed at dissolving the then Panchayats in the state prematurely.

“But we met the Governor of that time Gen S K Sinha and made him to send the bill back without giving his assent as it was totally undemocratic and authoritarian,” he said.

Taking a dig at PDP for crying hoarse on the issue of corruption, the Chief Minister said the party is gathering all corruption charge-sheeted lot in its basket.

“Actions of every individual and party reveal its agenda and real face. On one hand, they (PDP leadership) are giving sermons on corruption and on the other hand bringing all elements with corruption charges into their fold,” he added.