Thursday, February 10 2005 17:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Complimenting the people of Jammu and Kashmir for actively participating in the recently held civic elections, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Feb 10, 2005) asked the State Government to strengthen local bodies financially and decentralise administration.

"The State can benefit immensely from revitalization of local Government and decentralisation of development administration", he told J & K Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma and Finance Minister M H Baig when they called on him in New Delhi.

Singh promised all support and assistance of the Centre in strengthening local bodies in the border State, according to a PMO spokesman.

The Prime Minister advised the "State Government to strengthen local bodies financially and decentralize the administration so that the Government is more responsive to people's needs", the spokesman said.

Singh complimented the people of the State for actively participating in the civic elections to local bodies in the face of grave provocation.

He also appreciated the role of the State Government for the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections.

The Prime Minister also discussed with the State Deputy Chief Minister and the Finance Minister implementation of the long-term plan for development and reconstruction of the State that was unveiled during his visit to the State in November last year.