Despite voter lists and OBC quotas finalized, J&K awaits SEC to restore local democracy
Vikram Sharma
JAMMU: The likelihood of holding panchayat elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir this August appears increasingly slim, as the crucial post of State Election Commissioner (SEC) has remained vacant for over two months.
Despite the urgency, no administrative steps have been taken toward appointing a new SEC, creating a significant roadblock in the electoral process.
Since the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has had only two SECs. KK Sharma served as the first, followed by BR Sharma, who was appointed on 14 July 2021. BR Sharma’s tenure ended a month ago, leaving a void at a time when the Panchayati Raj system awaits revival.
The term of the last elected panchayats ended on January 9, 2024, and elections have since faced multiple delays—initially due to security concerns, followed by the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, and later because of the pending OBC reservation policy and delimitation of panchayat constituencies.
Sources indicate that these hurdles have now largely been resolved. The voter list revision process is complete, and the framework for OBC reservation has been finalized. It was widely anticipated that panchayat and urban local body elections would be conducted after the conclusion of the Shri Amarnath Yatra. However, in the absence of a State Election Commissioner, this now seems unlikely.
Anil Sharma, President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, criticized the delay, calling it a reflection of the government’s lack of commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy. “The fact that an essential post like the SEC has been vacant for over a month shows the government’s casual approach towards Panchayati Raj institutions,” Sharma said.
He pointed out that without a Commission head, election-related decisions cannot proceed, further delaying the democratic process. Sharma urged the government t o immediately appoint a new SEC so that the stalled elections can move forward.
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the term of the SEC is five years, subject to a maximum age limit of 65 years. If the person occupying the post crosses this age before completing the term, the tenure ends automatically.
As per the Act, the appointment of the SEC is made by the Lieutenant Governor, based on recommendations from a committee chaired by the Chief Minister. The committee also includes the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Minister of Panchayati Raj Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition.
Until this key appointment is made, the fate of grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir hangs in the balance.
