The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, complimented the people of Jammu and Kashmir for actively participating in the recently held civic elections to local bodies in the State in the face of grave provocation. He also complimented the State Government for the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections.

Dr Singh was interacting with the State's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Mangat Ram Sharma and the State's Finance Minister, Shri M.H. Baig, when they called on him here today.

The Prime Minister advised the State Government to strengthen local bodies financially and to decentralize administration, so that the Government becomes more responsive to the people's needs. He said the State could benefit immensely from the revitalization of local government and decentralization of development administration.

Dr Singh promised all support and assistance of the Union Government in this regard. He also discussed with the Deputy CM and Finance Minister the implementation of the long-term plan for development and reconstruction of Jammu & Kashmir that was unveiled during the Prime Minister's visit to the State last year.