Continuous delay in Panchayati Raj Institution elections in Jammu & Kashmir is weakening grassroots democracy: Anil Sharma

JAMMU: All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), a premier registered organisation working for the strengthening of grassroots-level democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. Today, President of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, Anil Sharma, expressed serious concern over the continuous delay in holding elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions in Jammu & Kashmir. He stated that on 9 January 2024, Panchayats were dissolved and simultaneously the second-tier institution, the Block Development Council (BDC), also ceased to function. Despite this, the necessary steps to conduct elections within a reasonable time frame were not initiated.

He said that it was the responsibility of the State Election Commission to begin the electoral process and preparatory exercise immediately after the dissolution of Panchayats. However, no such steps were taken. At that time, governance and administration in Jammu & Kashmir were under the authority of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, and therefore questions naturally arise as to why timely preparations for elections were not undertaken.

Anil Sharma stated that later, the people of Jammu & Kashmir were informed that Assembly elections would be conducted first and that the elected government would subsequently hold Panchayati Raj Institution elections. The public trusted these assurances and waited. However, even after the Assembly elections, no concrete action was taken in this regard.

He further said that the administration later stated that after the completion of the term of the District Development Council (DDC) in February 2026, elections for Panchayats, BDCs, and DDCs would be conducted together. However, despite DDC institutions completing their term in February 2026, no clear election schedule has been announced to date.

Anil Sharma alleged that in the absence of elected Panchayati Raj Institutions, the role of the Gram Sabha has weakened and development funds meant for Panchayats, BDCs, and DDCs are increasingly becoming subject to political influence and centralized decision-making. He emphasized that the spirit and legal framework of Panchayati Raj Institutions must be respected, and development activities should be carried out in accordance with grassroots democratic principles.

He said that there are now indications that elections may be held after the Amarnath Yatra, but public confidence on the issue has weakened due to repeated delays. As President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, Anil Sharma announced that Panchayat representatives, BDC members, DDC stakeholders, and all those associated with Panchayati Raj Institutions would be brought together under one platform to democratically strengthen the demand for elections.

He demanded that:

1. Elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions in Jammu & Kashmir be announced without further delay.
2. Necessary delimitation of Panchayats and DDC territorial constituencies be completed before elections.
3. Provisions introduced in the Panchayati Raj framework that require review should be reconsidered.
4. The role of Gram Sabha and local self-governance should be strengthened.
5. Elections at all levels should be conducted promptly to restore democratic institutions.