JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission, chaired by Justice (Retd.) Janak Raj Kotwal, along with members R.K. Bhagat, IAS (Retd.) and Professor M.S. Bhadwal, has commenced field visits across rural and urban local body areas to evaluate the challenges faced by Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local body elections.
As part of their outreach, the Commission visited block Chenani in Udhampur district and block Billawar in Kathua district. They engaged with members of the OBC community from various panchayats within these blocks and surrounding areas.
During the interactions, delegations representing the OBC community highlighted issues hindering their representation in urban and rural local bodies. Concerns were raised regarding the absence of a comprehensive OBC survey, with delegates stressing the need for its immediate initiation, especially in light of the inclusion of additional castes in 2024.
The Commission patiently heard the grievances and views presented by the delegations, assuring them that their concerns would be thoroughly examined and considered.
