J&K Officials Tight-Lipped on Impending Local Elections
Arun Jasrotia
Jammu:TDD- In a bold move towards strengthening grassroots democracy, Jammu and Kashmir is poised to hold Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections before the year’s end. While official confirmation remains elusive, highly placed sources indicate that preparations are underway for this crucial democratic exercise.
The air of secrecy surrounding the election timeline has fueled speculation and debate among political circles.
The timing of these elections is particularly significant, following the successful completion of Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the Jammu and Kashmir . In a notable decision, the government plans to retain the security forces deployed for the Assembly elections, ensuring a seamless transition to safeguard the upcoming Municipal and Panchayat polls. This approach not only guarantees a robust security presence but also proves cost-effective, optimizing resource utilization.
The urgency of these elections is palpable, given that the terms of Municipal Corporations in both Jammu and Srinagar lapsed last November. This delay has created a governance vacuum at the grassroots level, making the upcoming polls all the more critical.
For the Panchayat elections, approximately 12,776 vacant Sarpanch and Panch seats are up for grabs. These new representatives will join the 27,281 members elected in 2018, forming a comprehensive network of local leadership. Adding a layer of complexity, the 2024 Panchayat polls will be conducted following a fresh delimitation of ‘Halqas’ (Revenue Villages), potentially redrawing local political boundaries.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues its journey of political transformation post the abrogation of Article 370, these elections stand as a testament to the government’s commitment to establishing robust democratic structures at all levels. The successful conduct of these polls will mark a significant milestone in the region’s evolving political landscape, promising to bring governance closer to the people.TDD
