Village level
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir is trying to change the lives at the village level with the help of empowering Panchayats.
The Panchayati Raj System is showing its results on the ground as they are planning and executing developmental works at the village level according to their own priorities.
Recently the government allowed Panchayats to utilize the vacant village land for raising green assets.
The Village Panchayat Plantation Committees (VPPCs) headed by respective Sarpanchs, identify land, and take up plantations of multipurpose tree species, with technical support of Social Forestry. These plantations are protected and scientifically managed jointly by Social Forestry officials and representatives of VPPCs. The households of Gram Panchayat play active role in protection of plantations and in return they derive benefits by getting free supply of fodder, fuelwood and small timber on equitable basis.
During 2021-22 year, 32112 quintals of Fodder, 16580 quintals of fuelwood was distributed free of cost amongst 20850 rural households of 1646 Gram Panchayats, and thus rendering valuable support to the livestock based rural economy. Jammu and Kashmir Government has enacted the provisions of transferring 75% funds earned from sale of mature plantations to Village Panchayat Funds. The money deposited in these funds is used by VPPCs for afforestation activities and part of it is also used for taking up other village utility works like village paths and roads, sports facilities, improvement of schools, health facilities, drinking water and other works as per decision of local VPPC.
