Panchayat and BDC Term Uncertainty: Powers Redistribution amidst Approaching Deadline

Jammu& Kashmir: As the terms of 4291 Panchayats and 310 Block Development Councils (BDCs) are set to conclude on January 9, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over the redistribution of powers, with potential scenarios including delegation to existing officials or appointment of administrators.

Official sources reveal that a proposal outlining the distribution of powers for BDCs and Panchayats is reaching its final stages. The government is considering options such as empowering DDC Chairpersons, Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Panchayat Secretaries or appointing Administrators until fresh elections are conducted.

In an exclusive conversation with ‘Republic Media, DDC Chairpersons expressed varying perspectives on the issue. Some emphasized the urgency of prompt elections to reinforce the grassroots democratic system, asserting that the absence of BDCs and Sarpanchs undermines the core of democracy. Conversely, there are informal reports suggesting a potential shift of powers from Sarpanchs and BDCs to DDCs, though no official order has been issued.

District Development Council, Srinagar, Aftab Malik highlighted the potential benefits of reallocating financial authority from Sarpanchs and BDCs to DDCs. “If their funds and powers are redirected to us, it will enhance our financial resources, enabling us to undertake more projects and improve our work,” said Malik.

However, District Development Council (DDC) Ganderbal, Nuzhat Ishfaq, urged caution, emphasizing the lack of official confirmation regarding the shift of powers.

Despite the uncertainty, Nuzhat stressed the importance of conducting timely elections, stating that delays adversely affect democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. "The government should conduct elections for Municipalities and Panchayats to fortify the system because the components of grassroots democracy are weakening in the absence of BDC and Sarpanch,” said Nuzhat.

Currently, there are 310 BDCs and 4291 Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir, with only 280 BDCs fully in place. Approximately 25,000 Sarpanchs and Panchs will complete their five-year term on January 9, while the tenure of BDCs will end nearly 10 months before the scheduled completion of their term.

State Election Commissioner (SEC) BR Sharma has ordered the annual revision of voter lists of Panchayats. Draft rolls will be published on January 15, with claims and objections accepted until February 5, and final rolls published on February 26.

After the conclusion of the terms of Panchayats and BDCs, 20 District Development Councils (DDCs), the third tier of the PRIs, will remain functional. The five-year term of DDCs is scheduled to end in January 2026.

Elections for 77 Municipalities and 4291 Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for October-November, were delayed due to OBC reservation amendments. Panchayat Raj Act has been amended and similar changes are expected in the Municipal Corporations Act and Municipalities Act.

However, as per sources, elections are unlikely before the April-May Lok Sabha polls, as delimitation and ward identification for OBCs need completion.