RK News Service
Srinagar: Former Minister and Ex-MLA Bandipora, Usman Majid, has launched a scathing attack on the alleged manipulation of developmental grants in Bandipora, accusing legislators of “murdering the spirit of grassroots democracy” by interfering in DDC, BDC and MGNREGA-related developmental planning that should have remained people-driven and transparent.
In a statement, Majid said it was deeply unfortunate that works and priorities approved through Gram Sabha consultations under MGNREGA were allegedly altered later to suit political interests, completely sidelining the aspirations and needs of the common people.
“The works proposed and approved by villagers during Gram Sabha meetings under MGNREGA are reportedly nowhere to be seen now. Instead, new works have allegedly been inserted and controlled through political interference. This is nothing less than the hijacking of people’s rights and the bulldozing of democratic procedures,” Majid said.
He clarified that although elections for Panchs, Sarpanchs and BDCs have not been held yet, Gram Sabhas remain a valid and essential democratic mechanism through which people can collectively identify and prioritise developmental needs of their villages.
“Gram Sabhas are not ornamental exercises. They are the backbone of participatory democracy in rural governance. Ignoring the decisions taken in these public meetings and replacing them with politically dictated projects is a direct insult to the people,” he remarked.
Majid alleged that legislators have overstepped their role by interfering in local developmental planning that should emerge through public consultation and village-level consensus. “Roads, drains, irrigation links, sanitation projects, lanes and other essential works must reflect the genuine needs of the people. Development cannot be dictated from closed rooms by a handful of politically powerful individuals,” he added.