VIKAS SHARMA/SURESH KUMAR
JAMMU, SEPT 15: Development in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir has been affected as elected representatives at the grassroots level grapple with meager honorariums and drastic cuts in funding.
District Development Councils (DDCs), the cornerstone of decentralized governance, are finding it increasingly difficult to function and deliver essential services amid shrinking resources.
The issue gained prominence when the DDC Forum had recently raised strong objections to the release of only ₹15,000 as monthly honorarium to its members. They claimed that the amount is considerably lower than that paid to Special Police Officers (SPOs), who receive ₹18,000 per month despite being non-elected functionaries.
“We are expected to represent hundreds of families, resolve local issues, and contribute to governance, yet we are given less than others with far fewer responsibilities,” one member remarked. Another added, “The honorarium barely covers household expenses, let alone allow us to engage with development projects or travel to remote areas to serve constituents”.
Adding to their woes, the government recently slashed the Capital Expenditure (Capex) budget allocated to every Panchayat by ₹7 lakh — reducing it from ₹23 lakh to ₹16 lakh per Panchayat. With over 4,290 Panchayats across the Union Territory, this decision has resulted in a substantial shortfall in rural development funds, affecting infrastructure projects, welfare schemes, and basic public services.
Bharat Bhushan, Chairman of the Jammu District DDC, confirmed that this issue has been raised at higher levels. “During my recent visit to New Delhi, I got the opportunity to meet with officials in the Ministry of Rural Development and apprised them of both the meager honorarium and the cut in the Capex budget,” Bharat Bhushan said.
“The cut in the Capex budget has definitely affected development at the grassroots level not only in Jammu district but also in other parts of the Jammu Division”, he added.
Bhushan expressed hope that future reforms would address these gaps, stating, “Our term will be over in 2026 after completing five years, but I am hopeful that the newly elected team will receive better honorarium and increased development funding.”
Established in 2020, the DDCs were envisioned as a platform to empower local governance and ensure inclusive development. However, with the councils entering the final year of their tenure, elected representatives fear that continued neglect and financial constraints may reverse the progress made over the past few years.
