<span style="color: #222222;">In Jammu and Kashmir, the Administrative Council has approved an overhaul of the field administrative machinery supporting Panchayats by rationalizing various categories of existing posts in the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. The reorganization of the Panchayats has become necessary keeping in view that the functioning of the Department has undergone a sea change after the Panchayat elections in 2018 with subsequent devolution of greater funds and functionaries and decentralization of planning and execution functions right down to the Panchayat level. The proposed overhaul in the administrative structure for Panchayats is aimed at strengthening the third-tier of democracy through a cadre of trained professionals, as per the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> <br />''As a result of the AC decision, every district will now have an Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, a dedicated officer to look after the functioning of Panchayats and coordinate their activities.</span>