In a significant move, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has appointed Block Development Officers (BDOs) as Administrators for Halqa Panchayats whose terms expired on 9th January 2024. This decision, exercised under Section 9 of the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, aims to ensure the smooth functioning of Panchayat affairs in the absence of elected representatives.
The official notification, issued by Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IAS, Secretary to the Government and read by The Chenab Times, states that the Halqa Panchayats cannot be immediately constituted, leading to the appointment of BDOs as Administrators. The term of these Administrators will extend for a period of six months from 10th January 2024 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The notification was verified by The Chenab Times through a district-level official in Doda, while the official website jkpr.gov.in was not working at the time of writing this report.
This administrative step has sparked discussions and heightened the demand for elections among the public. Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory has been without elected representatives at the Panchayat and block levels since the expiration of their terms on 9th January 2024. The last MLA polls were conducted in 2014, contributing to the growing unrest among the public.
The decision to appoint BDOs as Administrators has drawn attention to the necessity of holding timely elections to reestablish democratic governance at the grassroots level. Various sections of the society have voiced concerns over the prolonged absence of elected representatives, emphasizing the importance of local governance in addressing community-specific issues.
The demand for elections is fueled by the belief that elected representatives play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the diverse needs of the local population. The absence of Panchayat and block-level representatives has led to a perceived vacuum in effective governance, prompting citizens to call for a democratic reinstatement of local leadership.
As the BDOs take charge as Administrators, the administration will be closely monitored by the public, civil society, and political entities alike. The six-month period provides a window for the government to address the logistical challenges in conducting elections and respond to the rising public demand for the restoration of grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
