Bare Acts Live

Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989

(Act No. 9 of 1989)

jk341

Chapter I

Preliminary

(a) "Block" means the area comprising such contiguous number of Halqas as may determined by the Government from time to time ;

(b) "Block Development Council" means Block Development Council constituted under section 27 of this Act ;

(c) "Building" includes any shop, house, hut, out-house, shed, stable, superstructure and land appertinent to a building whether used for the purpose of human habitation or otherwise and whether of masonry, bricks, wood, mud, thatch, metal or any other material whatever, and includes a wall and a wall but does not include mud-wall built round agricultural land not abutting on the public road ;

(d) "Case" means a criminal proceeding in respect of an offence triable by a Halqa Panchayati Adalat ;

(e) "Chairman" means the Chairman of -

(i) the Panchayati Adalat ;

(ii) the Block Development Council ;

(iii) the District Planning and Development Board ;

[(ee) "Commission" means the 'State Election Commission' constituted under section 36 of this Act ;]

(f) "Constituency" means a ward for which a member is to be or has been elected ;

(g) "District Planning and Development Board" means a District Planning and Development Board constituted under this Act ;

[(h) "Election Authority" means the 'State Election Commission' constituted under section 36 of this Act;]

(i) "Electoral Roll" means the rolls as may be prepared in accordance with the provisions of this Act ;

(j) "Halqa" means the area comprising a village or such contiguous number of villages as may be determined by the Government from time to time ;

[(jj) "Halqa Majli's" means all the voters of "Halqa Panchayat;]

(k) "Halqa Panchayat" means a Halqa Panchayat constituted under section 4 of this Act ;

(l) "Naib-Sarpanch" means Naib-Sarpanch of the Halqa Panchayat ;

(m) "Panch" means a member of Halqa Panchayat whether elected or nominated under this Act ;

(n) "Panchayati Adalat" means a Panchayati Adalat constituted under section 47 of this Act for this purpose of trial of suits and cases ;

(o) "Prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act ;

(p) "Prescribed Authority" means such authority as may be appointed by the Government by notification, for all or any of the provisions of this Act ;

(q) "Rules" means the rules made under this Act ;

(r) "Sarpanch" means the Sarpanch of the Halqa Panchayat ;

(s) "Schedule" means the Schedule appended to this Act ;

(t) "Suit" means a civil suit ;

(u) "Vice-Chairman" means the Vice-Chairman of-

(i) the Block Development Council ;

(ii) the District Planning and Development Board.

(v) "Village" means a parcel or parcels of land having a separate name and known limits in the revenue records and not included in the limit of a Municipality, Cantonment or Town Area Committe or Notified Area Committee.

[Chapter I-A]

Ward Majlis and Halqa Majlis

(i) to render assistance to the Halqa Panchayat in collection and compilation of details required for formulation of development plans ;

(ii) to generate proposals and fix priorities for development schemes and programmes to be implemented in the area of the Ward Majlis ;

(iii) to identify beneficiaries in order of priority, for the implementation of development schemes pertaining to the area of Ward Majlis ;

(iv) to render assistance in effective implementation of development schemes ;

(v) to suggest the location of public utilities, amenities and services like street lights, community water taps, public wells, public sanitation units, irrigation facilities etc. ;

(vi) to formulate schemes and impart awareness on matters of public interest like cleanliness, preservation of environment, prevention of pollution, guarding against social evils etc. ;

(vii) to promote harmony and unity among various groups of people ;

(viii) to verify the eligibility of persons getting various kinds of welfare assistance from Government such as pensions and subsidies ;

(ix) to collect information on the detailed estimates of works proposed to be taken in the area ;

(x) to undertake social audit of all works implemented in the area and award completion certificate for such works ;

(xi) to promote literacy, education, health, childcare and nutrition ;

(xii) to assist the activities of parent-teacher associations in the area ; and

(xiii) to exercise such other functions as may be prescribed.

(i) to approve the plans, programmes and projects for social and economic development in order of priority, out of the plans, programmes and projects approved by the Ward Majlis before such plans, programmes and projects are taken up for implementation by the Panchayat ;

(ii) to identify or select persons as beneficiaries under poverty alleviation and other programmes, in order of priority out of the persons identified by the various Ward Majlis coming under its jurisdiction ;

(iii) to conduct social audit as per prescribed procedure in respect of funds utilized under different schemes in wards ;

(iv) To mobilize voluntary labour and contribution in kind or cash or both for the community welfare programmes ;

(v) to promote literacy, education, health and nutrition ;

(vi) to promote unity and harmony among all sections of the society in such area ;

(vii) to seek clarifications from the Sarpanch and members of the Panchayat about any particular activity, scheme, income and expenditure ;

(viii) to identify and approve development works in order of priority from out of the works recommended by the Ward Majlis ;

(ix) to plan and manage minor water bodies ;

(x) to manage minor forest produce ;

(xi) to exercise control over institutions and functionaries in all social sectors ;

(xii) to exercise control over local plans and resources for such plans including tribal sub-plan ;

(xiii) to consider and approve the recommendations made by each Ward Majlis in the area of such Panchayat Halqa ; and

(xiv) such other functions as may be prescribed.

Chapter II

Halqa Panchayat

(a) not less than one-third of the total number of Punch seats reserved under above provsio shall be reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes or, as the case may be the Scheduled Tribes.

(b) not less than one-third (including the number of Panch seats reserved for women belonging to Scheduled Castes and the Schduled Tribes) of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat shall be reserved for women and such seats may be allotted by rotation to different consituencies in a Panchayat by such authority and in such manner as may be prescribed :

(a) is not a permannent resident of the State ; or

(b) is in the employment of the Government or any local body ; or

(c) is under twenty-five years of age ;or

(d) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court ; or

(e) has been adjudged insolvent by a competent court ; or

(f) is a salaried servant of a Halqa Panchayat ;

(g) is a Lamberdar or Village Chowkidar ; or

(h) has been dismissed from the service of the Government, a local body or Halqa Panchayat ;

(i) has been convicted of and sentenced for an offence (other than an offence of a political nature) punishable with imprisonment for not less than two years, unless a period of three years,or such less period as the Government may allow in any particular case, has elapsed since his release ; provided that this clause shall not apply to an offender who has been released under the provisions of section 562 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Samvat 1989 or under the Jammu and Kashmir Probation of Offenders Act, 1966.

(i) Gross misconduct ;

(ii) Neglect of duty ;

(iii) any disqualification prescribed under section (6) ;

(iv) Failure to attend [three consecutive meetings] of the Halqa Panchayat :

(b) If at any general election to a Halqa Panchayat no member is elected [***];

(i) the persons, if any, chosen as members of Halqa Panchayat, including Sarpanch before such appointment shall cease to be members of Halqa Panchayat and all the powers and duties of the Halqa Panchayat including Sapranches shall be exercised and performed by such Administrator ;

(ii) the funds and other property vested in the Halqa Panchayat shall, during the period of supersession, vest in the Administrator appointed under this section.

Chapter III

Powers and Functions

Chapter IV

Property

(i) public village road, within the Halqa Panchayat area other than those under the control of any Department of the Government ;

(ii) property movable and immovable which has been transferred to a Halqa Panchayat by the Government, any public body or an individual ;

(iii) buildings, slaughter houses, manure and night soil, dumping sites, structures and water reservoir built by a Halqa Panchayat from its own funds or from contribution by Government, any public body or an individual ;

(iv) rubbish, sewage, filth, bones, village cleaning, dead bodies of animals and other matters collected by the Halqa Panchayat under this Act ;

(v) trees and grass growing on property belonging to the Halqa Panchayat, fruit and other produce thereof and windfalls thereon ;

(vi) drains, tanks, ponds, wells, springs, streams, khuls, ghats, nullahs and quarries in the Halqa Panchayat area which do not belong to any person or a group of persons or to the Government and declared to be such property by a resolution of the Halqa Panchayat ;

(vii) all public lamps or lamp posts and apparatus connected therewith or appertaining thereto ;

(viii) any property which a Halqa Panchayat may acquire.

(i) taxes, fee levied by panchayat.

(ii) Proceeds from the property and enterprises run by Halqa Panchayat.

(iii) court fees, fines and compensation paid to Halqa Panchayat.

(iv) donations and contributions paid by public for works undertaken by Halqa Panchayat.

(v) proceeds of the sanitiation cess collected by the Government on revenue being loaned within Halqa Panchayat area.

(vi) grants from the Government for general purposes on per capita basis and also for specific functions.

(vii) loans from Government or other agencies approved by the Government or other financial institutions.

(viii) all other incomes of Halqa panchayat and such grants as may be assigned to the Halqa Panchayat by the Government, keeping in view the topography and backwardness of the areas.

(i) to enter, inspect and measure any building for the purpose of valuation ;

(ii) to enter and inspect any stable, coach house or other place wherein there is any vehicle, vessel or animal liable to taxation under this Act, or for which a licence has not been duly taken out :

Chapter V

Conduct of Business

Chapter VI

Block Development Council

(i) a Chairman ;

(ii) all Sarpanches of Halqa Panchayats falling within the Block ; and

(iii) Chairman, Marketing Society within the jurisdication of the Block :

(i) gross misconduct

(ii) neglect of duty

(iii) disqualification prescribed under section 6.

Chapter VII

Powers and Functions

Chapter VIII

Property and Finance

Chapter IX

Procedure For Conduct of Business

Chapter X

Holding of Election

(a) by writing under his hand addressed to the Governor resign his office ; or

(b) be removed from his office in the manner provided in section 36 B.

(a) by the amount of that pension ; and

(b) if he has before such appointment received in lieu of a portion of the pension due to him in respect of such previous service, the commuted value thereof, by the amount of that amount of pension.

(a) is adjudged as insolvent ; or

(b) engages during the term of his office in any paid employment outside the duties office ; or

(c) is unfit to continue in his office by reason of infirmity of mind or body ; or

(d) is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence which involves moral turpitude.

(a) an officer not below the rank of Additional Secretary to Government who shall be the Secretary to the Commission ;

(b) Such other officers or employees, as may be required by the Commission from time to time :

(a) require any person including an officer or an employee of the Government, subject to any privilege which may be claimed by that person under any law for the time being in force, to furnish information on any matter which, in the opinion of the Commission, may be useful for, or relevant to, the subject of enquiry ;

(b) give such directions to the officers and employees of the Government or the Panchayati Raj Institutions or any other statutory body or society as it considers necessary to ensure smooth and efficient conduct of elections under this Act ;

(c) delegate any of its powers to such officers and employees of the Government as it may deem necessary ;

(d) regulate its own procedure including the fixing of time and place of its sittings ; and

(e) exercise such other powers as may be prescribed by the Government from time to time.]

(i) is not a permanent resident of the State ;

(ii) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court ;

(iii) has not attained age of 18 years.

(a) the election has not been a free election by reason that the corrupt practice of bribery or undue influence has extensively prevailed at the election ; or

(b) that the result of the election has been materially affected. -

(i) by the improper acceptance or rejection of any nomination ; or

(ii) by gross failure to comply with the provisions of this Act or the rules framed thereunder.

Chapter XI

District Planning and Development Board

(i) Chairman of the Block Development Councils of the District ;

(ii) Members of Parliament representing the area ;

(iii) Members of the State Legislature representing the areas within the District ;

(iv) Chairman of the Town Area Committees at the District ;

(v) President of the Municipal Council, if any.

Chapter XII

Powers, Functions and Finance

(i) to consider and guide the formulation of development programmes for the District and indicate priorities for various schemes and consider issues relating to the speedy development and economic upliftment of the District ;

[(ii) to review periodically progress and achievements of developmental plans and schemes and make recommendations to the Government and Halqa Panchayats as it considers appropriate.

(ii-a) to receive all Block Level Plans and Consolidated Panchayat Plans from Block Development Council; compile, consolidate and integrate all plans into the District Plan and forward to the State Finance and Planning Department which shall form the basis for the State Plan.]

(iii) to function as a working group for formulation of periodic and annual plans for the District ;

(iv) to formulate and finalize the plan and non-plan budget for the District ;

(v) to lay down the policy guidelines for the Block Development Council and Halqa Panchayat ;

(vi) to approve the budget of the Block Development Council and supervise and co-ordinate their work ;

(vii) to undertake special measures for alleviating poverty and employment generation and extending assistance to Halqa Panchayats in this behalf ;

(viii) to promote and assist co-operative institutions ;

(ix) to perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned or entrusted to it by the Government from time to time.

Chapter XIII

Constitution of Panchayati Adalat

(i) is literate ;

(ii) has attained the age of 30 years ;

(iii) is not a Sarpanch, Naib-Sarpanch or a Panch ;

(iv) is not under the employment of the Government or any local body or corporation.

(i) regulate the conduct and distribution of business and practice before a Panchayati Adalat ;

(ii) prescribed the time and place at which the Panchayati Adalat shall sit.

(i) has been previously convicted of an offence punishable under Chapter XII or Chapter XVII of the Ranbir Penal Code with imprisonment of either description for a term of three years or onwards ; or

(ii) has been previously sentenced for any offence to life imprisonment or a like term ; or

(iii) has been previously sentenced by any Panchayati Adalat for a theft or for dishonestly receiving stolen property ; or

(iv) is a registered habitual criminal ; or

(v) has been bound over to be of good behaviour under section 109 or section 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Samvat 1989 :

(i) suits for ascertained sums not exceeding three thousand rupees ;

(ii) suits for damages not exceeding three thousand rupees for breach of contract not effecting immovable property ;

(iii) suits for compensation for wrongly taking or injuring movable property not exceeding three thousand rupees in value ;

(iv) suits for specific movable property or for the value thereof not exceeding three thousand rupees only :

(a) by or against a minor or a person of unsound mind ;

(b) by or against the Chairman or any member of the Panchayati Adalat ;

(c) by or against the Sarpanch or any Panch of the Halqa in his official capacity ;

(d) in respect of any dispute or matter in which a suit or application may be brought or made before a Revenue Officer ;

(e) in respect of any matter directly and substantially in issue in a previously instituted suit between the same parties or those under whom they claim, which is pending in or has been heard and finally decided by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a Panchayat Adalat ; and

(f) by or against the Government or a Co-operative Society or any employee of the local authority or an officer or servant of a local authority in his official capacity .

(a) the District Judge having jurisdiction may in relation to any such suit ; and

(b) the Sessions Judge having jurisdiction may in relation to any such case ;

Chapter XIV

Miscellaneous

(i) for all matters expressly required or allowed by this Act to be prescribed by rules ; and

(ii) for the procedure for exercise of civil and criminal jursidiction ; imposition of penalties by the Panchayati Adalat ;

(iii) procedure regulating the conduct of elections to Panchayat Halqas and Chairman of Block Development Council ;

(iv) that a contravention of any rule made under this Act shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to fifty rupees.

Schedule

[Schedule I-A]

(See Section 12)

General

I. It shall be the duty of the Halqa Panchayat, to meet the requirements of the Halqa Panchayat area, subject to availability of funds, in respect of the matters enumerated in this Schedule and also as elaborated in the responsibility mapping in respect of Halqa Panchayats.

II. Subject to the other provisions of this Act and the guidelines and with the assistance of Government, financial, technical or otherwise, the Halqa Panchayat shall have the power to administer the matters enumerated in this Schedule and to prepare and implement schemes relating thereto for development and social justice purposes. Planning and implementation of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes in the Halqa Panchayat which are in operation or to be launched by the Government of India, as the case may be shall also be the responsibility of the Panchayats.

III. Halqa Panchayat shall prepare the plans for and to implement all schemes in accordance with the provisions contained in the guidelines of the schemes and instructions issued by the Government of India and State Government from time to time.

IV. The Halqa Panchayat shall carry out its functions in accordance with the set of guidelines for estimation of the projects as well as expenditure sanction issued by the Government.

(A) General Functions : -

(i) Preparation of annual plans for the development of the Panchayat area in general and separately under all schemes/programmes as per the targets assigned by the District Planning and Development Board (DP&DB).

(ii) Preparation of annual budget.

(iii) Providing relief in natural calamities.

(iv) Removal of encroachments on public properties.

(v) Organizing voluntary labour and contribution for community works.

(vi) Maintenance of essential statistics of the villages.

(vi) Identification of beneficiaries for all beneficiary oriented programmes/schemes.

(vii) Repair/maintenance/upkeep of all Government assets.

(viii) Supervision and inspection of all primarily level institutions like primary schools, primary health centers, primary veterinary centers/veterinary dispensaries, artificial semination centres, first aid centers etc.

(ix) To act as Grievance Redressal Forum for the Halqa Panchayat.

(x) To undertake constructions from Halqa Panchayat fund (own resources) within the area of the Halqa Panchayat.

(xi) To undertake awareness generation and mobilization of community for all Government priority areas like sanitation, renewable energy, sex ratio improvement, skill development, water conservation, waste to energy, financial inclusion etc. as prescribed from time to time.

(B) Specific Functions : -

1. Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries : -

(i) Preparation of and supervision of activities under a comprehensive village Horticulture/Agriculture/ Sericulture plan in consultation with Halqa Majlis (Gram Sabha) so as to increase production.

(ii) Preparation of Annual plans and identification of beneficiaries under ATMA, MIDH, PMGSY, Blue Revolution, PMKSY or any other scheme in force or introduced in future and their submission to Block Development Council.

(iii) Preparation of plans regarding development of waste lands and grazing lands to ensure optimum utilization of land.

(iv) Establishment and maintenance of nurseries with Halqa Panchayat funds (own resources).

(v) Preparation, recommendation and supervision of plan for farm mechanization.

(vi) Preparation and supervision of plans for soil, water conservation and seed protection.

(vii) Preparation of watershed management plans and their implementation.

(viii) Supervision of Agriculture Insurance Plans and their implementation.

(ix) Facilitate agriculture/horticulture extension activities including farm schools, exposure visits, crop protection and pest management campaigns, demonstrations etc.

(x) Supervise preparation of loss statements in the event of disasters.

(xi) Distribution of inputs.

(xii) Promote the formation of milk/wool/poultry farming/co-operative societies.

(xiii) Monitoring and supervision of milk collections centers/societies.

(xiv) Identification of sites for establishment and management of public market facilities (mandies) at Halqa Panchayat for promotion of rural farm products, craft products and display of market prices at such mandies.

(xv) Regulation and conduct of fairs and festivals including cattle fair.

(xvi) Providing storage and cold storage facilities for agro/horticulture products.

(xvii) Facilitate farmers for direct marketing and e-Marketing of agriculture/horticulture produce.

(xviii) Preparation of plan to enhance milk/broiler/egg production and its by-products

(xix) Facilitate hand holding of private entrepreneurs.

(xx) Promote collaborative co-operative model for dairy farmers.

(xxi) Promote fodder development, vermi-composting and organic farming in the area.

(xxii) Supervision of Primary Veterinary Centers, Veterinary dispensaries and first aid centers.

(xxiii) Construction and maintenance of buildings of the Department in the panchayat areas, wherever transferred to the Halqa Panchayats.

(xxiv) Identification of fish farmers for training in fish culture and arranging their training with the assistance of Department of Fisheries.

2. PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Department : -

(i) Planning, construction, renovation and maintenance of all minor irrigation projects with 0-5 hectares area within the Halqa Panchayat area.

(ii) Maintenance and implementation of timely and equitable distribution and full use of water of all such minor or micro irrigation projects within 0-5 hectares at Halqa Panchayat level.

(iii) Development of plan for and implementing ground water recharging and rain water harvesting schemes/projects.

(iv) Mapping and management of records of all water sources within the Halqa Panchayat area.

(v) Maintenance of hand pumps through manpower provided by the department.

(vi) Maintenance of irrigation channels and khuls.

(vii) To take measures for prevention and control of water pollution.

(viii) Identification and supervision of potential/existing schemes.

(ix) Preparing a chlorination roster for all water supply schemes/reservoirs within Halqa Panchayat area and ensuring display of dates of chlorination.

(x) Collecting the required data/information for planning on quality and coverage of drinking water schemes.

(xi) Maintenance of traditional drinking water sources.

(xii) Collection of water samples from drinking water sources for testing.

(xiii) Assisting authorities to regulate over exploitation of ground water.

(xiv) Collection of user charges, where necessary.

(xv) Maintenance of piped water supply schemes to the extent transferred to the Halqa Panchayats.

(xvi) Provision and maintenance of water purification devices in schools/anganwadi centers/health institutions out of own resources.

3. Forest/Social Forestry : -

(i) Afforestation on waste land.

(ii) Development of social forestry and farm forestry, disposal of social forestry produce.

(iii) Growing trees for cattle feed, fire wood and fruits.

(iv) Implementation of farm forestry.

(v) Establishment of nurseries and their management.

(vi) Management of minor forest produce excluding reserved forest, protected forest and wildlife protected area.

(vii) Planning and implementation of social forestry and farm forestry projects.

(viii) Planting and preservation of trees on the road side and other public places under control of Halqa Panchayat.

(ix) Protection of forest area from encroachments and reporting of any illegal activity to the concerned officer/official.

(x) Identification of sites for CAMPA/afforestation activities under different schemes/plans.

(xi) Supervision/protection of wildlife.

(xii) Constitution of fire protection committees to assist Forest Department in extinguishing forest fires in coordination with the local people.

4. Tourism : -

(i) Identification and proposing development of tourist spots in the Halqa Panchayat area.

(ii) Facilitation of tourism activities.

(iii) Providing and maintenance of basic amenities at tourist centers entrusted to Halqa Panchayat.

(iv) Collection of entry fees, parking fees other than at places maintained by Archaeological Survey of India or by other local authorities or Government Departments.

5. Public Works (R&B Department). - Planning and construction of works transferred to Halqa Panchayats.

6. Rural electrification, power and energy : -

(i) Installation and maintenance of street lights at public streets and places.

(ii) Planning, establishment, maintenance and promotion of small conventional and non-conventional energy units like solar, including roof top solar panel installation, bio-gas, wind mill, micro hydro electricity plants with Halqa Panchayat funds.

(iii) Sale of excess non-conventional energy to others.

(iv) Identification of left out houses/new constructions for electrification.

(v) Collection of user charges on behalf of Power Development Department on an incentive basis to be decided and notified and ensuring 100% metering in its area.

7. Disaster Management : -

(i) Conducting survey to identify disaster prone localities.

(ii) Creation and maintenance of disaster management facilities.

(iii) Identification of local resources in the form of manpower and funds to meet the eventuality of disaster.

(iv) Creation of disaster management committees at village level; identification and registration of civil defense personnel.

(v) Identification of youth for disaster management training.

(vi) Providing relief and compensation to victims of disasters with Halqa Panchayat's own resources and as per guidelines issued by Government.

8. Libraries. - Creation, management and monitoring of Halqa Panchayat level libraries and reading rooms including providing of seating facilities, books and their computerization through own resources.

9. Sports and Cultural Activities : -

(i) Establishment and maintenance of play fields inside schools and on village lands.

(ii) Protection and reviving cultural activities at Halqa Panchayat level.

(iii) Promotion of youth clubs.

(iv) Assisting poor and indigent artists.

(v) Maintenance of communal and religious harmony.

(vi) Construction and management of cultural centers, community halls, open air theatres at Halqa Panchayat and cluster level.

(viii) Organization of youth festivals/sport events, art and culture events, plays, dramas at Halqa Panchayat and cluster level.

(ix) Providing life skill education, leadership training and conducting recreational activities for youth.

10. Health and Family Welfare Department : -

(i) Forwarding of proposals and getting sanctions from competent authority for the establishment of dispensaries/health sub-centers at Halqa Panchayat level.

(ii) NOC for Licensing of eateries and entertainment establishments.

(iii) Management of stray dogs/street dogs/stray cattle; identification of sites for management of animal pounds.

(iv) Implementation of preventive and remedial measures against epidemics.

(v) Monitoring of maternity and child welfare centers and ensure 100% vaccination of all children and pregnant ladies.

(vi) Regulation of sale of meat, fish and other perishable food articles.

(vii) Constitution of "Health and Family Welfare Advisory Committee" consisting of Panch of village/ward, opinion leaders, trained birth attendant, Male/Female Health Worker, ASHA (Member-Secretary), Government employees and honorarium paid-staff viz. school teacher, Anganwadi worker etc., NGO/Women SHG/ Community based organization representatives etc. to oversee the functioning of each health institution and improvement thereof; to ensure that the functionaries of the sub-centres are residing at the place of posting; the committee shall be chaired by Sarpanch of the Halqa Panchayat in whose area the institution falls; the committee shall submit a Quarterly Accountability Report to the Block Development Council.

(viii) The above committee shall also function as Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee under NHM. The funds allocated to the VHSNC under NHM shall be operated through a joint account held by PRI member and ASHA as provided under NHM guidelines.

(ix) Registration of all pregnant ladies with the nearest health centre through ASHA's and ensuring anti-natal and post natal care and benefits under Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram are extended to the mother and child.

(x) Supervising and facilitating "School Health Check up Programmes" under RBSK or any other scheme and monitoring that all children recommended for next level of care avail of the same.

(xi) Chlorination of wells/bowlies; cleaning of roads and drains ; sanitation and restrain of stray dogs cattle (As per Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 with amendments thereof).

(xii) Reporting the outbreak of Gastroenteritis/malaria/ dengue and/or any other epidemic/disease outbreak and starting measures for containment with the assistance of Health Committees.

(xiii) Educating the community for adopting Family Planning methods/immunization etc. and organizing camps thereof.

(xiv) Reporting of Births and Deaths.

(xv) Identify sub-centre for upgradation to health and wellness centers under Ayushman Bharat and monitoring of services provided by them.

(xvi) Introduction of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) for all Health Programmes and their proper implementation.

(xvii) Field visit report to be submitted to BDC on monthly basis.

11. Social Welfare Department : -

(i) Identification of beneficiaries and implementation of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme under ICDS.

(ii) Identification of sites for construction of Anganwadi Centres.

(iii) Supervision and management of Anganwadi Centres to the extent transferred to Halqa Panchayat.

(iv) Construction/repair/renovation of buildings for AWCs to the extent transferred to Halqa Panchayat.

(v) To coordinate with Mahila Mandals in smooth functioning of the programme.

(vi) Identification of beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojna (PMMVY) and Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)

(vii) Identification of beneficiaries under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS); verification of existing pensioners and weeding out of dead/non-eligible cases.

(viii) To disburse all payments under NSAP and ISSS.

(ix) Identification of beneficiaries for Bal Ashrams/ Nari Niketans and other childcare institutions.

(x) Identification of children in need of care and protection under Integrated Child Protection Scheme through child welfare committees and District Child Protection units.

(xi) Coordinate with Block Development Council in execution of schemes for the welfare of SCs/STs/ OBCs/Minorities/Disabled/Old aged/Destitutes/ Widows/Children.

(xii) Identify discriminatory practices against SCs/STs and report to Block Development Council/District Planning and Development Board/concerned authorities for action.

(xiii) Identify Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe basties and suggest measures for their socio-economic upliftment.

(xiv) Coordinate with Block Development Council and District Planning and Development Board in creating awareness among the people about the ill effects of drug abuse/female feticide/domestic violence and also implementation of all schemes including Poshan Abhiyan, Ladli Beti, One Stop Centre, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao or any other scheme introduced in future .

(xv) Coordinate with Block Development Council and District Planning and Development Board in creating awareness among the people about laws enacted to prevent domestic violence against women.

12. Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department : -

i. To act as grievance redressal agency and issue directives to Fair Price Shops/Government Sale Centres as and when required.

ii. To identify and recommend elimination of bogus ration cards and issue new ration cards.

iii. Supervise functioning of the Fair Price Shops/ Government Sale Centres under the jurisdiction of the Halqa Panchayat.

iv. To assist Block Development Council in preparing plans of action to link Public Distribution System with Integrated Child Development Scheme and Mid-Day Meals Scheme etc.

v. Identification of beneficiaries under different categories on yearly basis i. e. AAY, PHH, NPHH and deletion.

vi. Recommend opening of new fare price shops/ kerosene oil depots wherever required.

13. Rural Development Department : -

(a) General Functions -

1. Cleaning and preservation of public roads, drains, bathing ghats, tanks, wells, ponds and other public places.

2. Establishment and maintenance of burial and cremation grounds.

3. Lay emphasis on natural resource management works, water conservation, watershed management, vermi-composting etc.

4. Construction and maintenance of cattle farm, community cattle sheds, pounds, village bus stand, rickshaw stand, taxi, auto stand, cart stand, slaughter houses and commercial complexes and collection of user fee for the purpose.

(b) Mgnrega : -

i. Preparation of labour budget, shelf of projects and Annual Action Plan in coordination with Gram Sabha through regular Gram Sabha meetings and implement MGNREGA in the Halqa Panchayat strictly as per guidelines prescribed.

ii. Execution of works in accordance with the Annual Action Plan/District Convergence Plan approved by District Planning and Development Board (80% of the district plan to be devolved to Panchayats and 20% to the District Development Commissioner for Inter- Panchayat works)

iii. Convening the Halqa Majlis (Gram Sabha) for social audit under the scheme and providing all information to the social audit team required for audit.

iv. Receiving applications for job cards and labour demand for work and issuing dated receipt against the same.

v. Issuance of job cards to the households within one month of application.

vi. Ensuring the applicants who demand labour get work within the statutory period of 15 days and pay unemployment allowance from own funds in case of failure to do so.

vii. Ensuring preparation of Muster-sheet within 15 days of start of work and preparation of fortnightly Muster-sheets thereafter.

viii. Ensure wage payment to wage seekers within 15 days of preparation of muster-sheets and pay delay compensation from own resources in case of failure to do so.

ix. Organization of Gram Rozgar Diwas on 1st of every month and Mahila Mazdoor Diwas on 15th of every month.

x. Provision of work site facilities like drinking water, first aid, childcare facilities in case of 10 children or more being present on site etc.

xi. Accord administrative approval for and make payments for the works under Mgnrega as per rules prescribed.

xii. Act as custodian of all panchayats related records and ensure maintenance of Panchayat Asset Register, case records for each individual work and Registers as prescribed under Mgnrega.

xiii. Maintenance of 60:40 (labour material ratio) at GP level under MGNREGA.

xiv. Awareness generation and social mobilization under scheme.

xv. Registration of vendors for supply of Key Material viz. sand, stone, bajri at GP level.

(c) Rural Sanitation (SBM) : -

(i) Development of health and sanitation policy and its implementation.

(ii) Planning and implementation of Halqa Panchayat level sanitation programme for households, public places and all local institutions and collection of user charges for the same where necessary.

(iii) Sensitization of community towards maintenance of sanitation/Solid, Liquid Waste Management (SLWM)/waste to energy.

(iv) Identification of land and establishment of Solid Liquid Waste Management Unit in consultation with State Technical Advisory Committee, District Water and Sanitation Committee and Block Level Committee.

(v) Collection, segregation and transport of solid waste to multi village solid waste management plants.

(vi) Construction and maintenance of individual, community toilets and bathrooms and sanitary complexes.

(vii) Disposal of unclaimed corpses and carcasses, regulation of curing, tanning and dyeing of skins and hides.

(viii) Survey of quantity and type of waste generation and assessment of demand for establishment of Solid Liquid Waste Management Unit.

(ix) Sensitization and policy planning about menstrual health; implementation and construction of pink toilets; regular refilling and operation and maintenance of vending machines and incinerators in pink toilets.

(d) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) : -

i. Verification of PMAY SECC lists through Halqa Majlis (Gram Sabhas) and set priorities for grant of houses.

ii. Identification and uploading of non-SECC beneficiaries into Awaas plus software.

iii. Prepare special lists for disaster affected families within the SECC list.

iv. Identification of persons for mason training and ensure conduct of mason trainings as per guidelines.

v. Ensure timely sanction of houses and disbursal of installments to the beneficiaries. All beneficiary funds under PMAY shall be devolved to the Halqa Panchayats.

vi. It shall be responsibility of the Panchayats to ensure completion of houses within nine months of disbursal of first installment.

(e) IWMP : -

i. Identification of water shed areas, ponds, barren lands etc. for development under IWMP.

ii. Creation of Water Shed Development Committees in the project area through Halqa Majlis (Gram Sabha).

iii. Identification of works to be taken up under Water Shed Project Area.

iv. Execution of works at the Panchayat level through Water Shed Development Committees.

14. Education Department : -

i. Ensure 100% enrolment of school age children in Primary Schools and ensure transition of students from one class to another without drop-out incidence.

ii. Oversee the utilization of School Maintenance Grant (SMG), Teaching Learning Material (TLM) and Teacher Learning Equipments (TLE) as per norms in Primary Schools.

iii. Oversee and monitor the distribution of study material, uniform and scholarships to the target group students in Primary Schools.

iv. Preparation and distribution of Mid-Day Meal in Primary Schools through local Self Help Groups (SHGs)/NGOs/Community Level Organizations for which the funds shall be transferred to Panchayats. The Halqa Panchayat shall also ensure weekly quality check of the Mid-Day Meal through designated agencies and take immediate action, if any, adverse reports are received.

v. Ensure regular meetings of the Village Education Committees and School Management Committees at primary school level and report on their functioning.

vi. Assess and plan requirement of drinking water and toilet facilities in Primary Schools and ensure it is met.

vii. Monitor regular attendance of Primary School and Middle School teachers, non-teaching staff and students and report to ZEO/CEO/DDC.

viii. Construction of Primary/Middle Schools to the extent transferred to Halqa Panchayat.

ix. Planning, establishment and management of hostels for backward classes/groups, girls, specially abled, minority groups and orphans at Primary School level through NGOs/SHGs/ community level organizations.

15. Revenue Department : -

i. To assist the Local Administration in periodic updating of land records relating to actual status of village common lands, waste land, Kacharai land, water ways, roads, embankments and to assist in encroachment removal.

ii. Ensure the Patwari pastes his monthly working chart on the notice board of Patwar Khana and Panchayat Ghars indicating the working days he will visit the Panchayat Halqa areas.

iii. The concerned Halqa Panchayats will ensure that all eligible Kisans are issued Kisan Pass Books as required under the Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act and that the same are updated regularly by the concerned Revenue Field Functionaries.

iv. To act as a grievance redressal mechanism in case of any difficulty being faced by the land owners in getting the extracts of Revenue Records and refer the matter to the concerned Tehsildar/ Sub-Divisional Magistrate/District Collector directing the concerned Patwari to the issue the Revenue Records through, Panchayat, as early as practicable.

v. Providing necessary assistance to the Administration in providing relief to the effected families/persons in case of disaster.

vi. To report regarding wrong entries in revenue records, malpractices, tampering of records land conversion to the Tehsildar/SDM/District Collector or higher authorities as the case may be.

vii. Assisting the local administration and revenue functionaries in periodic updating of land records viz-a-viz changes in the situation on ground through the conduct of the annual girdawari, preparation of jamabandi and all other revenue documents.

viii. Identification of landless families for allotment of land under any prevalent scheme.

16. Issue of certificates : -

i. Issue of NOCs for Geology and Mining Department activities, Electrification, biodiversity, land conversion, Licenses for Home stay, resorts, bar and restaurants, hotels, liquor shops, Burial/ cremation grounds, crematoriums, slaughter houses etc.

ii. Issuance of birth, death, Character, dependent, marriage certificates and ration cards in accordance with procedure as notified by the Government from time to time.

17. Statistics and Planning : -

(i) Collection, tabulation, updating of all statistics relating to the village.

(ii) Setting up of teams/committees for preparation of perspective plans and Annual Plans in accordance with statistics collected.

18. Co-operation. - Preparation and implementation of programmes to popularize and strengthen co-operative activities.

19. Rural Environment and Ecology : -

(i) Planning and implementation for protection and preservation of rural environment and ecology in conformity with National and State policy.

(ii) Establishment of GP biodiversity management committee.

(iii) Preparation of Peoples' Biodiversity Register.

(iv) Preparation and implementation of plans and programmes for the Biodiversity Act, 2002.

(v) Protection of ecologically sensitive areas.

(vi) Preparation and implementation of plans for the protection of environment.

(vii) Maintenance of parks, regulation of manure pits in public places.

20. Knowledge Management : -

(i) Collection and compilation of household data and maintaining database.

(ii) Recording of the history, culture, heritage of the village.

(iii) Conducting surveys and studies to determine the human development of the village.

(iv) Periodical calculation of human development index.

(v) Making available all data to the people of Halqa Panchayat.

(vi) Awareness generation and Information, Education and Communication activities for all Government schemes.

21. Community Asset Management : -

(i) Protection, conservation and management of community assets within the Halqa Panchayat area, their mapping, measurement, comprehensive documentation and maintenance.

(ii) Systematic documentation and protection of records of all assets such as ponds, water grooves, canals, agriculture pits, wells, bore-wells and other wells, pastures, forests, plantations etc.

[Schedule 1-B]

(See Section 26)

1. As per the provisions of this Act, Halqa Panchayat shall have the powers to carry out various duties/functions for the Socio Economic Development and Social Justice of the area. For this Halqa Panchayat requires staff for providing necessary help and guidance in carrying out the duties imposed on it by this Act.

2. Every Halqa Panchayat shall have a Member-Secretary who shall be an employee of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department (to be specified by the Department).

3. The employees of the departments contained in the Schedule I-A associated with the implementation of the various schemes at Halqa Panchayat level shall be the staff of Halqa Panchayat for helping them in carrying out various functions as per the Schedule I-A which shall include Junior Agriculture Extension Officer/Rehbar-e-Zerat, Veterinary Pharmacist/Stock Assistant, Flock Supervisor, Stock Assistant, Extension Officer (Fisheries), Teacher/RETs, Horticulture Technician, Junior Engineers/Supervisors of Engineering Departments and Pharmacists in Sub Centre/Dispensaries, Asha Worker, ANM and FMPHW.

4. The dedicated staff engaged for the subject contained in the Schedule I-A under Centrally and State Sponsored Schemes shall also be the staff of Halqa Panchayat :

5. Halqa Panchayats may engage staff at its level only after formal sanction from the Government for such engagement.

[Schedule I-C]

(See Section 14)

1. Every Halqa Panchayat shall have a fund, to be called, the Halqa Panchayat Fund which shall be operated by the Secretary Panchayat and Sarpanch as per the procedure to be notified by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

2. As per the provisions of this Act, Rules thereunder and Government directions issued from time to time, the Halqa Panchayat shall have the power to operate the fund strictly as per procedure to be notified by the Government which shall include : -

i. Funds related to the subjects contained in the Schedule I-A, including funds under Centrally Sponsored Flagship Schemes as transferred to the Halqa Panchayats by respective Administrative Departments.

ii. Grants of State and Central Finance Commission.

iii. Outlays transferred to the Halqa Panchayat by the Government from time to time.

iv. Untied grants made available to the Halqa Panchayat by the Government to meet out the exigency of development works of Panchayat Halqas.

v. Own resources generated through building permission fee, annual charges and fee levied under section 15, fee for the certificates issued, user charges collected, incentives and other sources.

vi. The salary/honorarium as applicable of Village Level Worker, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), Female Multipurpose Health Worker (FMPHW), Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operator, Aganwadi Worker/Helper and Asha Worker.

vii. 80% funds under Annual Action Plan for MGNREGA.

viii. 100% funds under PMAY (construction component only), IWMP (works component only), Mid-day Meal, ICDS (Nutrition component only), NSAP and ISSS.

3. The Halqa Panchayats shall strictly follow the financial rules/instructions guidelines issued by the Central and State Government while utilizing the funds under different programmes.

4. Halqa Panchayats shall prepare a statement of annual accounts to be audited in the prescribed manner.

5. The guidelines prescribed by the Central or State Government shall be strictly adhered to while incurring expenditure on a scheme funded by Central Government or State Government as the case may be.

[Schedule II-A]

(See Section 31)

I. It shall be the duty of the Block Development Council to meet the requirements of area in respect of the matters contained in this Schedule II-A and also prepare plan of activity in respect of inter Halqa Panchayat areas/matters subject to the availability of funds under the various schemes.

II. Subject to the other provisions of this Act and directions/guidelines issued by the Government from time to time, the Block Development Council shall administer the matters contained in this Schedule II-A and prepare plans and implement the schemes on the subjects specified herein for the economic development and social justice purpose.

III. The Block Development Council shall perform its functions strictly as per the guidelines for estimation of the projects as well as expenditure sanction issued by the Government.

(A) General Functions : -

i. Preparation of annual plans in respect of the schemes entrusted to it by virtue of the Act and those assigned to it by the Government/District Planning and Development Board and their submission to the District Planning and Development Board within a prescribed time for integration with district plan.

ii. Consideration and consolidation of the Annual Plans of all the Halqa Panchayats in the Block and submission of the consolidated plans to District Planning and Development Board within a prescribed time for integration with district Plans.

iii. Preparation of the Annual Budget of the Block Development Council and it submission to District Planning and Development Board.

iv. Assisting the administration in distribution of relief and compensation during the natural clamities/disaster.

v. Performing such functions and executing such works as may be entrusted to it by the Government or the District Planning and Development Board.

vi. Construction and upkeep of block level Government facilities as transferred.

(B) Specific Functions : -

1. Agriculture, Animal, Sheep, Fisheries and Horticulture Department : -

i. Prepare agriculture plan in consultation with the field functionaries of the Agriculture Production Department, at Block level for submission to the 'District Planning and Development Board' for approval.

ii. Consolidate demand received from Halqa Panchayats and submit to the District Planning and Development Board.

iii. Monitoring of agriculture extension activities.

iv. Monitoring of ongoing schemes under technical guidance of departmental staff.

v. To ensure close surveillance of spread of diseases and timely liaison with the District Planning and Development Board/State Headquarter for control measures.

vi. Facilitating and supervising general and technical training at the Gram Panchayat level for preparation of comprehensive agricultural and horticultural plans.

vii. Maintenance of agriculture seed farms including Horticulture Nurseries.

viii. Conducting exhibitions of vegetable, fruits and other crops through Kisan Melas.

ix. Providing technical support to GPs through technical personnel and trainings to increase the income of improved methods of cultivation and training of farmers.

x. Consolidation of data collected by Gram Panchayats and preparation of block level plans for agriculture/horticulture production.

xi. Monitoring the distribution of insecticides, pesticides and other inputs.

xii. Coordination in respect of policy planning of animal/sheep husbandry programmes at block level.

xiii. To recommend holding of animal sterility/health camps.

xiv. To conduct exhibitions, livestock shows, animal fairs, milk yield competitions and calf rallies.

xv. Providing vaccines, medicines, medical aid to Gram Panchayat to take preventive measures to control epidemics and contagious diseases in animals.

xvi. Recommend measures for improvement of breed of Cattle, Poultry and other livestock.

xvii. Encourage promotion of co-operative societies for activities of Animal Husbandry, Dairies, Fisheries, marketing of agricultural/horticulture produce etc.

xviii. Collection of demand and distribution of seedlings to the fish farmers through Halqa Panchayats with technical support of officials of the Fisheries Department.

xix. Monitoring and reviewing of all functions and activities entrusted to Halqa Panchayats.

xx. Coordinating with the Agriculture/Horticulture Department in assessing the demand and organizing inputs, wherever made available by the department.

xxi. Coordinating with the Agriculture/Horticulture Department in organizing farmers training camps, study tour, seminars etc.

xxii. Organizing of demonstrations on improved varieties and technology through the Departments.

xxiii. Ensuring conduct of village-wise horticultural/ agriculture/animal/sheep census.

xxiv. Preparation of Action Plan for each inter panchayat water-shed through the concerned department.

2. Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department : -

(i) Monitoring of the public distribution system including movement and availability of commodities

(ii) To take steps for identification and elimination of bogus ration cards.

(iii) To coordinate in the establishment of linkage of Public Distribution System Schemes with other welfare schemes.

(iv) To send periodical reports and returns about Public Distribution System to the District Planning and Development Board Distribution.

(v) Disseminate information and create awareness about Consumer Protection and Welfare Schemes.

3. Education Department : -

i. To assess the drop-out position and initiate appropriate action to reduce it.

ii. Oversee the utilization of School Maintenance Grants (SMG), Teaching Learning Material (TLM) and Teaching Learning Equipments (TLE) as per norms in Middle Schools.

iii. Assist in identification and enrolment of students for Government Middle Schools.

iv. Oversee distribution of study material, uniforms and scholarship to the target group students in Middle Schools.

v. Preparation and distribution of Mid-day Meal in Middle Schools through local SHGS/NGOs/ Community Level Committees for which the funds shall be transferred to Block Development Council. Block Development Council shall also ensure weekly quality checks of the Mid-day Meals through designated agencies and take immediate action, if any, adverse reports are received.

vi. Oversee and report on the functioning of Village Education Committee (VECs)/School Management Committees (SMCs) at Middle School level.

vii. Assess and plan requirement of drinking water and toilet facilities in Middle Schools and ensure that it is met.

viii. Promotion of adult literacy and planning and monitoring both conventional and non-conventional education at block level.

ix. Coordinating Centrally and State Sponsored Programs relating to Education.

x. Construction and maintenance of Middle School Buildings as transferred by the Government.

xi. Promotion of social education through youth clubs and Mahila Mandals.

xii. Planning, establishment, management of hostels at middle school level for backward class and groups, girls, specially abled, minority groups and orphans.

4. Forest Department : -

(i) Preparation of action plans for afforestration in respect of lands identified by the Halqa Panchayats in consultation with concerned Range Officers. This will also include nursery raising.

(ii) Monitor execution of micro plans through Halqa Panchayat as per approved physical and financial targets.

(iii) Submission of periodical consolidated accounts and reports to District Planning and Development Board.

(iv) Monitor cases of over exploitation and submit recommendations to Forest Department for its regulation.

(v) Supervision of soil conservation works of Forest Department.

(vi) Supervision of afforestation, plantation and nursery works within their area.

(vii) Supervise the protection of wildlife and assist Wildlife Department in addressing Man-Animal conflict.

(viii) Produce and distribute saplings and seedlings to Gram Panchayat when required from Block Level Nurseries for promotion of farm forestry.

(ix) Conducting trainings, workshops for providing technical knowledge to Gram Panchayat in the field of fodder development and fuel plantation.

(x) Planting and maintenance of trees on the sides of roads and other public lands under its control.

5. Health and Family Welfare Department : -

(i) Constitution of Health and Family Welfare Advisory Committees for Community Health Centers.

(ii) To create awareness among the masses about the National Health Programmes by way of organizing health and family camps, exhibitions and Melas.

(iii) Construction and maintenance of Community Health Centers, staff quarters and other health facilitates as transferred by the Government.

(iv) To take all effective measures with the assistance of health functionaries to control epidemics in the Block Development Council areas.

(v) Promotion of immunization and vaccination programmes and ensure 100% children and pregnant woman are immunized.

(vi) Establishment of a system/mechanism for continuous support to Gram Panchayat to manage health services and sanitation programmes.

(vii) Setting up and managing facilities and centers for specially abled and mentally challenged people.

(viii) Planning and implementation of family welfare programmes at Block Development Council level.

(ix) Ensuring all constructions/offices/procedures within the block are specially-abled friendly.

6. Industries and Commerce Department : -

(i) Assistance in the recovery of loans by Banks/ Government Institutions/Departments.

(ii) Provide information with regard to availability of skills in the area and future demand.

(iii) Identify the locations and target groups in their respective area of operation where there is a potential of conducting Industrial Awareness Programmes/Entrepreneurship Development Programmes/awareness camps for artisans, weavers, craft persons etc.

(iv) Assist in the identification of beneficiaries under PMEGP/JKEGP.

(v) Identify land for establishing Industrial Areas/ Estates within their jurisdiction and submit the proposal to District Planning and Development Board for consideration.

(vi) Organization of conferences, seminars, training programmes agricultural and industrial exhibitions.

(vii) Establishment of mini industrial estates.

(viii) Formation and implementation of self employment schemes.

(ix) Creation of input services and common facility centres for Gram Panchayat Clusters or for group of Gram Panchayats.

(x) Providing financial support to cluster level common facility centers.

7. Public Works (R&B) Department : -

(i) Monitoring of constructions by Halqa Panchayats and other agencies.

(ii) Identification of inter-panchayat link roads and their inclusion in the Block Development Council Plan.

(iii) Maintenance of such rural roads which may be transferred by Public Works Department to Block Development Council.

(iv) To keep vigil and bring to the notice of appropriate authority of the Public Works Department the cases of gross mis-utilization of funds, corrupt practices etc. by the staff of department, contractors and sub-contractors while executing various schemes and the encroachments on the roads/other structures.

(v) Maintenance of any building or other property vested in Block Development Council.

(vi) Identify black spots (frequent accident sites) and recommend remedial measures to District Planning and Development Board.

8. Public Health Engineering and Irrigation and Flood Control Department : -

(i) Identification of potential schemes including water harvesting covering more than one Halqa Panchayat within the jurisdiction of Block Development Council.

(ii) To take measures for prevention and control of water pollution.

(iii) To keep vigil and bring to the notice of appropriate authority of all Departments the cases of gross mis-utilization of funds, corrupt practices etc. by the staff of the Departments, contractors and sub- Contractors while executing various schemes.

(iv) Prevention and control of water pollution.

(v) Implementation of community and individual irrigation works.

9. Revenue Department : -

(i) To help revenue officials in identification of landless/houseless families/persons for formulation of a policy regarding utilization of waste/vacant State land, identification thereof, which is however not required for any other public purpose at block level.

(ii) Supervise the work entrusted in revenue matters to Panchayats and formulation of policy at the block level for removal of encroachments on State/ Kahcharai/Water bodies/common land.

(iii) Assistance to the legal machinery in conduct of legal proceedings (e. g. publication of notices in the entire area, identification of vacant State land in different Halqa Panchayats areas etc.)

(iv) To report regarding wrong entries in revenue record, malpractices, tampering of records, land conversion to the Tehsildar/SDM/Deputy Commissioner or higher authorities as the case may be.

(v) Assisting the local administration and revenue functionaries in periodic updating of land records viz-a-viz changes in the situation on ground through the conduct of the annual girdawari, preparation of jamabandi and all other revenue documents.

10. Social Welfare Department : -

(i) Guide and assist the staff of the departments in implementing the various schemes in the Block Development Council area as per the guidelines of the schemes.

(ii) Assist in providing logistic support to facilitate smooth implementation of the programmes.

(iii) Coordinate with District Planning and Development Board and Panchayats in implementation of schemes for the welfare of Disabled/Old-Aged/Destitutes/Widows/Children/ Minorities/SCs/STs/OBCs.

(iv) Coordinate with District Planning and Development Board in creating awareness among the people against social evils of drug abuse, female feticide, domestic violence and also in implementation of all schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao/Ladli Beti, One Stop Centre, PMMVY etc.

(v) Organize camps for creating awareness among the women about the laws enacted to prevent domestic violence against women and promotion, implementation and monitoring of programmes in relation to development and empowerment of women and children at block level.

(vi) Planning and management of hostels for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and backward communities, Bal Ashrams, Blind homes, Nari Niketan, One stop homes, juvenile justice homes and other such social justice institutions through SHGs/NGOs/Community Level Organizations.

(vii) To prevent, through awareness campaigns, social, cultural practices against Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes and backward communities which undermine freedom and dignity of individual and community.

(viii) Monitoring old-age, widow pension and pension for handicapped/disabled and scholarships by the Halqa Panchayats.

11. Tourism Department : -

(i) Identification and proposing development in inter Halqa Panchayats tourist spots in Block Development Council area.

(ii) Promotion of tourism activities in Block Development Council.

(iii) Providing basic amenities at tourist centers under the jurisdiction of Block Development Council.

(iv) Development and maintenance of tourist attraction destinations under the ambit of Block Development Council to the extent of transferred to Block Development Council.

12. Disaster Management : -

(i) Creation and maintenance of disaster management facilities at Block Development Council level.

(ii) Creation of disaster management committees at block level and identification, registration of civil defence committees.

(iii) Identification of youth for disaster management training at block level.

(iv) Assisting district administration and Halqa Panchayat in providing relief and compensation to the victims of disasters.

(v) Conduct of mitigation programmes with regard to disasters.

13. Libraries. - (i) Creation, management and monitoring of libraries and reading rooms including providing of seating facilities, books etc. at block level.

14. Sports and Cultural activities : -

(i) Organization of art and culture programmes at inter-panchayat level.

(ii) Promotion of youth clubs at block level.

(iii) Maintenance of communal and religious harmony.

(iv) Construction and management of cultural centres, community halls and open air theatres at block level for organizing different inter-panchayat functions.

(v) Organization of youth festivals/other events at inter-panchayat level.

(vi) Providing of life skill education, leadership training and conducting recreational activities for youth at inter-panchayat level.

15. Rural Development Department : -

(i) Consolidation of Annual Action Plans of Halqa Panchayat under different schemes to the extent transferred as per the Schedule I-A and monitor/ supervise the implementation of various programmes at the Halqa Panchayat level.

(ii) Preparing and implementing of Inter-Panchayat Plans under different schemes to the extent transferred by the Government as per Schedule II-A.

(iii) Monitor the distribution of job cards to the eligible households under MGNREGA.

(iv) Monitoring and evaluation of all poverty alleviation programmes and coverage of women SC, ST and other beneficiaries through different programmes.

(v) Organizing the auction of the produce from the community assets to the extent powers transferred by the Government as per the rules made thereunder.

(vi) Development and maintenance places for fairs/ mandies/other events.

(vii) Supervision and monitoring of rural sanitation programmes and its execution by the Halqa Panchayats.

(viii) Prevention of misuse of community assets of the Block Development Council.

(ix) Organize training and awareness camps for different schemes and programmes.

(x) Monitor the use of community assets created under various Rural Development Schemes.

(xi) Establishment and maintenance of solid and liquid waste management projects.

(xii) Provide technical support to the Gram Panchayat.

16. Other functions: -

(i) Facilitate promotion of block level co-operative societies.

(ii) Providing technical support to Gram Panchayats for the protection of environment and ecology.

(iii) Collection and compilation of block data and maintaining data base.

(iv) Recording of the history, culture, heritage of the block.

(v) Conducting surveys and studies to determine the human development of the block.

(vi) Periodical calculation of human development index.

(vii) Making available all data to the people.

(viii) Awareness generation and information, education and communication activities for all Government schemes.

(ix) Maintaining all community assets vested in the block as are transferred by the Government or any local authority or organization.

(x) Preservation and maintenance of community assets.

[Schedule II-B]

(See Section 31)

1. As per the provisions of this Act Block Development Council shall have the powers to carry out various duties/functions for the Socio Economic Development and Social Justice of the area. For this Block Development Council requires staff for providing necessary help and guidance in carrying out the duties imposed on it by this Act.

2. Every Block Development Council shall have a Member-Secretary who shall be the Block Development Officer of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department as contained in sub-section (3) of section 28. The office of the Block Development Officer shall function as Block Development Council Secretariat.

3. The Block Level Officers of the departments contained in the Schedule II-A associated with the implementation of the various schemes at block level and providing technical guidance to the Halqa Panchayat for carrying out various duties shall be the staff of Block Development Council for helping them in carrying out various functions as per the Schedule II-A including and not limited to Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Live Stock Development Officer, Sheep Development Officer, Block Veterinary Officer, Tehsil Supply Officer, Inspector Legal Meteorology, Zonal Education Officer, Zonal Planning Officer, Head Masters/Mistresses of Middle Schools, Field Supervisor of Fisheries Department, Range Officer, Horticulture Development Officer, Block Medical Officer, ANM/Medical Superintendent/Female and Male Multipurpose workers of CHCs, Assistant Handicraft Training Officer and Instructor of Industries and Commerce Department, Assistant Executive Engineers/Assistant Engineers of all Engineering Departments.

4. Dedicated staff engaged for the subject contained in the Schedule II-A under Centrally and State Sponsored Schemes functioning at block level shall also be the staff of Block Development Council :

5. Block Development Council may engage staff at its level only after formal sanction from the Government for such engagement.