Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 2: 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.
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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.
Sharma has urged the UT Administration not to delay further, and set a clear timeline for both Panchayat and Block Development Council (BDC) elections. The delay, he warned, is not only a setback to democratic governance, but also a major roadblock to rural development and delivery of essential services.
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 asserted.
Senior members -Des Raj Bhagat, Jatinder Singh, Rakesh Sharma, Milkhi Ram, and Ram Saroop Sharma also spoke on the occasion.
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