Delay in Panchayat polls blocking development funds: AJKPC

• Rural governance paralyzed in J&K, rural areas worst-affected: Anil Sharma

JAMMU: All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay in holding Panchayat elections in the Union Territory while pointing out that more than a year has passed since the dissolution of Panchayats on January 9, 2024. 

In a strong appeal to the Union Territory administration, AJKPC president Anil Sharma, during a press conference, has called for immediate action to restore grassroots democracy and unlock developmental funds meant for rural areas. 

Sharma said that failure to conduct elections within one year of dissolution has resulted in blockage of funds meant for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). These funds, he stressed, are vital for the execution of key development projects across rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. 

“We had hoped that once Assembly elections were conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, the Panchayat elections would follow. Unfortunately, that has not happened,” the AJKPC leader said. 

He regretted that rural development has been severely impacted due to the absence of elected Panchayat bodies. Projects related to roads, electricity, drinking water supply, and ration distribution have reportedly slowed down or come to a complete halt in many areas. 

He also reminded the government of its longstanding demand for the establishment of a State Election Commission (SEC) that is independent of political influence and capable of conducting elections on time. 

“We fought for the establishment of a State Election Commission so that the people are not dependent on political parties for the conduct of elections. However things are not moving in right directions as elections are getting delayed,” the AJKPC leader said. 

He  has urged the administration to not delay further, and to set a clear timeline for both Panchayat and Block Development Council (BDC) elections. The delay, they warned, is not only a setback to democratic governance, but also a major roadblock to rural development and delivery of essential services. 

The AJKPC leader has said that the dissolution of Panchayats, and the delay in fresh elections, has left a democratic vacuum at the village level.  “Elections are not a formality—they are a necessity. Without them, rural governance is paralyzed, and the common man suffers,” he said. 

 “We request the government to conduct the elections without further delay. The UT administration must take responsibility and act in the interest of rural people who are waiting for development, accountability, and representation,” the AJKPC leader concluded. Prominent among those who were present on the occasion included Des Raj Bhagat, Jatinder Singh, Rakesh Sharma, Milkhi Ram , Ram Saroop Sharma.