Calls for strengthening grassroots democracy through timely polls and greater autonomy
JAMMU, Jun 8: Renowned human rights activist Om Parkash Khajuria has urged the Government of India, the Election Commission and the Jammu & Kashmir administration to initiate comprehensive reforms for conducting transparent, timely and empowered District Development Council (DDC) elections in the Union Territory.
Addressing media persons, Khajuria expressed concern over the prolonged absence of elected grassroots institutions in Jammu & Kashmir following the completion of the tenure of District Development Councils in February 2026. He observed that with the expiry of the terms of Panchayats, Block Development Councils (BDCs) and DDCs, the entire three-tier Panchayati Raj system in the Union Territory presently lacks elected representation.
Khajuria stated that while the introduction of DDCs in 2020 was a significant democratic initiative aimed at decentralizing governance, several shortcomings became evident during the functioning of these bodies. He pointed out that unlike many states and Union Territories where district-level local bodies enjoy substantial administrative and financial authority, DDCs in J&K often remained dependent on the bureaucracy for implementation of development projects and policy decisions.
The human rights activist emphasized that future DDC elections should be conducted simultaneously with Panchayat and BDC elections to ensure continuity in local governance and avoid prolonged democratic vacuums. He also advocated for a fixed election calendar so that elected institutions are reconstituted immediately upon completion of their terms.
Khajuria further stressed the need to provide DDCs with greater financial autonomy, independent planning powers, adequate staff support and statutory authority over district development priorities. He maintained that elected representatives must be empowered to monitor public welfare schemes, review developmental works and hold administrative agencies accountable before the people.
Calling for reforms in the electoral process, he urged authorities to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and independent candidates, unrestricted campaigning, transparent election management and robust voter awareness programmes. He also recommended regular capacity-building programmes for elected representatives so that they can effectively discharge their responsibilities.
“Grassroots democracy cannot flourish merely through elections; elected bodies must be vested with real powers, financial resources and administrative support. Jammu and Kashmir deserves a Panchayati Raj system on par with the best-performing states and Union Territories of the country,” Khajuria said.He appealed to the Government to announce fresh elections to all tiers of local self-government at the earliest, asserting that strong local institutions are essential for participatory governance, inclusive development and the protection of democratic rights at the grassroots level.