JAMMU: The submission of the final report by the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission marks a significant milestone in the Modi Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice and empowerment for the marginalized communities. The report, submitted to J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, is expected to provide comprehensive recommendations for the rightful representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local governance structures.
This was stated by Adv. Purnima Sharma, BJP Spokesperson J&K and former Deputy Mayor of Jammu, while addressing a press conference at Party Headquarters in Jammu. The senior BJP leader hailed this development as a historic step towards rectifying decades of discrimination against the OBCs. She asserted that the previous regimes, led by Kashmir-centric parties, deliberately sidelined these communities, depriving them of their rightful representation for over 60 years. “The so-called champions of democracy in J&K never had the intent to empower the OBCs. Their policies were centered around appeasement and favoritism, leaving the backward classes in perpetual neglect,” she remarked.
She emphasized that it was only under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that long-overdue justice is being delivered to the OBCs. The formation of the Commission, headed by Justice (Retd.) Janak Raj Kotwal, was in line with Supreme Court rulings and aimed at conducting empirical studies, engaging stakeholders, and recommending proportional reservations in urban and rural local bodies. The extension of the Commission’s tenure until February 28, 2025, further reflects the government's commitment to comprehensive assessment and fair representation.
Adv. Purnima Sharma further pointed out that the Modi Government has ensured grassroots democracy flourishes in J&K through the successful conduct of Halqa Panchayat Elections (2018), Block Development Council Elections (2019), and District Development Council Elections (2020). In contrast, she criticized the previous governments for failing to establish a robust local governance framework. “For decades, they kept power concentrated in the hands of a select few, denying common citizens their democratic rights,” she stated. Reiterating BJP’s resolve to empower every section of society, Purnima Sharma urged the people of J&K to recognize the transformational change ushered in by PM Modi’s leadership and reject those who thrived on injustice and disparity.
