Jammu, January 14:
The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JKBADC) has issued a stern demand to the Union Territory administration, calling for the immediate announcement of a fixed timeline for Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections.
The organization, which advocates for the welfare of tribals and border residents, highlighted that the democratic vacuum at the grassroots level has now persisted for over a year, severely crippling local development and governance.
“Statutory Violation”: Grassroots Democracy Under Threat
Speaking on the delay, Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of JKBADC and former Vice Chancellor, termed the absence of elected representatives a “statutory violation” and a move against the constitutional spirit.
“Panchayats are the first and most vital tier of democracy,” Dr. Malik stated. “By failing to hold elections after the terms of Panches, Sarpanches, and Block Development Councils (BDCs) expired in January 2024, the government is depriving the people of their right to local representation.”
Impact on Border Areas and Development
According to the JKBADC, the impact of this delay is most visible in the stalling of essential village projects. Residents in border areas, who often face unique challenges, have been left with no direct channel to address grievances.
Key sectors reported to be suffering include:
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Infrastructure: Slowdown in the construction and repair of village roads.
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Utilities: Unresolved issues regarding drinking water and electricity supply.
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Sanitation: Neglect of local cleanliness and waste management programs.
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Bureaucratic Hurdles: Local issues are being handled by bureaucrats who, the BADC claims, are less accessible than elected representatives.
Calls for Immediate Formalities
The JKBADC has urged the government to expedite all pending administrative formalities, including:
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Delimitation: Finalizing the boundaries of local constituencies.
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Reservation: Completing the process for OBC and other category reservations to ensure an inclusive electoral process.
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ULB Elections: Announcing a simultaneous or immediate timeline for Urban Local Body polls.
“The situation is particularly dire for border residents who depend heavily on their Sarpanches to raise local issues with the higher authorities,” Dr. Malik added.
As of January 2026, while the Jammu and Kashmir government has recently initiated the process of appointing a new State Election Commissioner (SEC), a definitive date for the polls remains elusive.
