Former Minister alleges gram sabha-approved Works Were Altered Midway, Undermining Grassroots Democracy in Bandipora
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.
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.
The former Minister warned that such actions weaken transparency, destroy accountability and create deep public alienation. “When the voice of villagers is suppressed and Gram Sabha resolutions are altered or ignored, democracy itself becomes the casualty. This trend is dangerous for the future of grassroots governance in Jammu and Kashmir,” Majid said.
He urged the administration to immediately examine the manner in which DDC, BDC and MGNREGA-related developmental works were processed in Bandipora and ensure that future planning strictly follows democratic norms, public participation and the true spirit of decentralised governance.
“Grassroots democracy does not belong to legislators or political elites. It belongs to the people of villages. Their voice cannot be erased merely to satisfy political interests. Any attempt to silence public participation will only erode trust in democratic institutions,” Majid asserted.
Reiterating his commitment towards people-centric governance, Majid said he would continue to raise his voice against any attempt to undermine democratic processes and deprive villagers of their rightful role in shaping the development of their own areas.