Jammu: In a major steps towards further empowerment of the District Development Councils (DDCs), the Government of Jammu and Kashmir today amended the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996.
Through the amendment, the Government has empowered the DDC members by defining the rules for removal of the Chairpersons and the Vice Chairpersons.
Further, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zila Parishad has also been empowered with key powers of planning and administrative control.
Following Government nod to the amendments, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj framed Rules for removal of Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons and giving planning and administrative powers to the CEOs of Zila Parishad.
An order to this effect was issued by Secretary Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
“A written notice of the intention to move a motion for removal of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson signed by not less than two-third of elected members of that Council, together with a copy of the motion which is proposed to be moved shall be delivered in person by any two of the elected members of the DDC, to the Deputy Commissioners,” the amendments said.
As per the amendments, the removal motion shall be taken up not later than 15 working days from the date on which the notice has been delivered.
“The meeting will be presided over by the Chairperson if the motion is moved against the Vice Chairperson while the Vice Chairperson will chair the meeting if the motion is moved against the Chairperson,” the amendments said.
As per the order, the voting for removal of Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons shall be held by open ballot and the member who voted shall record in writing his name and signatures on reverse side of the ballot paper.
“If the motion is carried with the support of two-third majority of elected members of the Council, the Chairpersons or the Vice Chairpersons as the case may be, shall cease to hold office and the post shall deemed to be vacant”, the order read.
However, if the motion fails, no further notices shall be received for a period of one year.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (Additional District Development Commissioner) will take necessary measure for speedy execution of all works and development schemes of the DDCs and its committees.
They will supervise, control and monitor the execution of all works of the DDCs, BDCs and Halqa Panchayats. They will also have custody of all papers and documents connected with the proceedings of the meeting of the DDC and its Committees. They will draw and disburse money out of the DDCs.
The CEOs will lay down the duties, supervise and control the officers and officials of, or holding officer under the DDC.
