Gulmarg, Sep 1 (Agency) Emphasizing on the role of democratic institutions at the grass-root level in making the executive accountable, Lok Sabha (LS) speaker Om Birla on Wednesday said that capacity building measures would be taken by the LS Secretariat for training of Panchayat representatives. Interacting with the representative of District Development Councils (DDCs), Block development Councils (BDCs) and Panchayat at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, Mr Bilra on the last leg of his visit to Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Birla emphasized on the role of democratic institutions at the grass-root level in making the executive accountable. He said that the DDCs, BDCs and Panchayats should meet regularly and address the issues of the public and ensure accountability of government.
These institutions should also devise their rules and procedures, he said and added that local representatives should have a say in Legislative process as they are the link between the people and administration. They are, therefore, in a better position to reflect people’s hopes and aspirations, he said. Mr Birla said that adequate training of local representatives about legislative process and Rules and Procedures would strengthen these institutions to channelize the fruits of development to the last person. In this regard, the LS speaker said that capacity building measures would be taken by the Lok Sabha Secretariat for training of Panchayat representatives. He also invited local representatives from Jammu and Kashmir to visit Parliament so that they may have a first hand experience of the legislative process. Lauding the enthusiasm of the local representatives and their commitment to development, Mr Birla called for their involvement to promote tourism.
He added that providing marketing platform for local products would improve Aatmanirbharta and ensure employment to local youth and women. Mr Birla took note of the peace and development initiatives in the region and said that he would sensitize the authorities concerned to review travel advisories on visiting Kashmir . The LS speaker Om Birla arrived in Srinagar on August 29, 2021 to inaugurate the Parliamentary Outreach Programme for empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He also met representative of PRI at Pahalgam and local representatives of Anantnag on August 30, 2021. Earlier, Mr Birla inaugurated 3rd Parliamentary Outreach Programme for the Panchayati Raj Institutions of UT of Ladakh at Leh on August 27, 2021.