Expressing concern over the delay in holding panchayat elections, ‘All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference’ (AJKPC) on Saturday asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to conduct elections within 90 days or be ready to face agitation.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had assured people in November last year that elections to panchayats and urban local bodies (ULBs) would be held soon. These elections were last held in 2018.
Panchayats and urban local bodies have completed their tenure more than a year ago. The elections could not be held on time due to various reasons including the delimitation process and reservation of wards for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
AJKPC president Anil Sharma said, “The issue (of holding panchayat elections) is urgent as panchayats play an important role in local governance. Their prolonged inaction has hindered development and left rural residents without proper representation or any way to express their concerns.”
He said that timely elections and redefinition of boundaries are necessary to revive democracy and improve governance in the region.
The tenure of Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir ended on 9 January 2024. The Jammu and Kashmir government, through an order, has appointed Block Development Officers as administrators of Panchayats.
Sharma said, “Panchayati Raj institutions have been inactive for more than a year and no honest effort has been made by the government to conduct elections. Even the State Election Commission seems to be silent on this matter.”
Cautioning the government and the Election Commission, Sharma said, “If panchayat elections are not held within 90 days, AJKPC will launch a massive agitation.”
He also said that AJKPC officials will soon meet Lieutenant Governor Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the State Election Commissioner and demand immediate action.
