The fourth and last batch of the panchayat representatives from the state of Jammu and Kashmir started its training on the functioning of the three tier system here on Tuesday.  The training is being given by the Panchayati Raj department of Uttarakhand on different aspects of the Panchayati Raj system. The department had entered into an understanding with the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj department of Jammu and Kashmir for the training tours of Panchayat representatives.  In the current batch, 37 Sarpanchs of J & K are visiting the state. The group has 13 female Sarpanchs too.  As per the schedule these representatives would be taken to field visits to the villages in Uttarakhand for four days and on two days classroom training is imparted to them on various aspects of the three tier Panchayati Raj system.

The state IEC consultant of Jammu and Kashmir, Aijaz Ahmed told The Pioneer that a total of four batches of Panchayat representatives have visited the state. He said that the programme has proved to be a huge success. “ We are now waiting to reciprocate the love showered by the people of Uttarakhand on us and want that the panchayat representatives of Uttarakhand should also visit our state,’’ he said.

The Secretary Panchayati Raj Uttarakhand, H C Semwal told The Pioneer that after a positive feedback from the panchayat representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, the government of Union Territory of Ladakh has also expressed willingness that the Panchayati Raj department of Uttarakhand should also train its elected representatives. He said that 180 panchayat representatives of Ladakh are expected to visit the state soon.