Sir,
Jammu Municipal Corporation, previously known as Jammu Municipality was established in the first quarter of 19th century as one of reforms made by Lord Rippon’ Reforms Report. The development of modern Municipal Committees of the state was initiated by first Municipal Act 1886 A.D followed by amended Act 1889. Two Municipalities one at Jammu and other at Srinagar were established for the first time.
Jammu Municipality came into existence in 1893 A.D in shape of a separate Department known as Municipal Administration . Provision of elective element was introduced in 1930 A.D in light of Jammu and Kashmir regulation of 1913.
In 1st year of Republic India, J&K state passed in State Assembly a legislation to upgrade these two Municipalities to the level of Municipal Corporation Jammu and Srinagar. Till date after independence only four times Municipal elections have been held during 1956,1972, 1980, and 2005. Under rule at least 12-13 elections should have been held by this date.
It is known to every body that GOI releases funds to these Local Bodies for the development and betterment of local units. First and foremost condition of GOI is that Municipalities must have elected representatives. In 2005 elections were held and now it 2017.
If we had received the grants regularly, the financial position of these Municipalities might have gone in healthy status in contrast to the present financial crisis. Then, who is responsible for this bankruptcy of these Local Bodies.The answer is every ruling party in the state who for the self interest of its own party withheld the elections on one pretext or other.
The Govt should seriously think over this lapse. A legislation should be passed that within six months, after due period, elections should be held without any excuse. Otherwise, it is murder of democracy.
Yours etc….
Rakesh Sharma,
Greater Kailash Jammu.
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