JAMMU, Jun 18: Expressing serious concern over the prolonged delay in conducting elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Jammu and Kashmir, President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), Anil Sharma, said that the continued absence of elected grassroots bodies is weakening democratic governance and affecting development at the village level.
Addressing media persons, Sharma stated that Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir were dissolved on January 9, 2024, and with their dissolution, the Block Development Councils (BDCs) also ceased to function. He said that despite the lapse of considerable time, the necessary electoral process and preparatory measures for fresh elections were not initiated.
He pointed out that it was the responsibility of the State Election Commission to begin the election process immediately after the dissolution of Panchayats. However, no visible steps were taken at that stage. Sharma said that since Jammu and Kashmir was under the administration of the Lieutenant Governor at the time, questions naturally arise regarding the reasons behind the delay in initiating election-related preparations.
Sharma further stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were later informed that Assembly elections would be held first and that PRI elections would follow after the formation of an elected government. Trusting these assurances, people waited patiently. However, even after the Assembly elections, no concrete progress was made towards restoring Panchayati Raj Institutions.
He added that the administration subsequently indicated that elections to Panchayats, BDCs and District Development Councils (DDCs) would be conducted together after the completion of the DDC term in February 2026. Despite the expiry of the DDC term, no election schedule has been announced so far.
According to Sharma, the absence of elected Panchayats, BDCs and DDCs has weakened the role of Gram Sabhas and grassroots participation in governance. He alleged that development funds meant for local bodies are increasingly becoming subject to centralized decision-making and political influence, undermining the spirit of decentralized democracy.
While noting reports that elections may be held after the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Sharma said public confidence has been eroded due to repeated delays and unfulfilled assurances.
He announced that the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference would unite Panchayat representatives, BDC members, DDC stakeholders and others associated with Panchayati Raj Institutions on a common platform to democratically strengthen the demand for early elections.
Sharma demanded immediate announcement of PRI elections, completion of delimitation of Panchayats and DDC constituencies before polls, review of provisions introduced in the Panchayati Raj framework, strengthening of Gram Sabhas and local self-governance, and timely elections at all levels to restore democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.