In first, BDC chairpersons to take salutes on Republic day
TNN Bureau. Updated: 1/25/2020 9:54:09 AM
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JAMMU: For the first time, the chairpersons of the block development councils will take salutes at the Republic Day functions at block development offices (BDOs) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairpersons of 307 blocks were elected in J&K in October last year. Of these, 81 were won by the BJP, one by the Congress, eight by the J&K Panthers Party and 217 by independents.
"I am directed to convey that the chairperson of BDCs shall take a salute at their respective block headquarters on the Republic Day," an official communication from Deputy Secretary G L Sharma said on Friday in a directive to divisional commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir regions.
"Wherever, the Tehsil Headquarter and Block Headquarter is same, two separate Republic Day functions shall be held at Tehsil Headquarter and Block Development Offices. All necessary arrangements may be ensured accordingly," the communication reads further.
This is for the first time that BDC chairpersons will be taking the salute at the official republic functions at 307 blocks across the UT, officials said.
The Centre has been giving prominence to the elected representatives of the grassroots democracy in the UT.
In its first Warrant of Precedence issued last month, the Union Territory Government had placed newly elected Chairpersons of the Block Development Councils at par with the District Magistrates (Deputy Commissioners), major Head of Departments, District and Session Judges and officers in the rank of Brigadiers at 28th i.e. the last place of the Warrant of Precedence.