B R Sharma appointed as J&K’s SEC

Jammu, Jul 14: Amid indications that Panchayat polls in Jammu & Kashmir would be held in October- November this year, the administration of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory on Firday appointed retired IAS officer B R Sharma as the State Election Commissioner (SEC).
In an order, commissioner secretary, General Administration Department, Sanjeev Verma, said the appointment of the SEC shall take effect from the date he assumes charge.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by proviso to sub-section (3) of section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the Lieutenant Governor is pleased to appoint Braj Raj Sharma, IAS (Retd.) as State Election Commissioner for Jammu and Kashmir,” the order read. It said Sharma shall hold the position of the State Election Commissioner till he attains the age of 65.
“The terms and conditions of his appointment shall be notified by the Government subsequently,” the order said.
The post of SEC fell vacant on February 01, 2023 when K.K. Sharma completed his term.
BR Sharma, who served as Chief Secretary of J&K from 2015 to 2017, has also expertise in election-related matters as he served the erstwhile state’s chief electoral officer (CEO) during 2008 Assembly elections which saw impressive voter turnout. Under the Constitution of India, the State Election Commission is empowered to conduct polls for all three-tiers of Panchayati Raj system.
As per Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory whenever Jammu & Kashmir is under the President’s Rule under section 73 of Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act.
In times of elected government, the SEC is appointed by LG on recommendation of a committee comprising chief minister, leader of Opposition, speaker of legislative assembly, a senior minister to be nominated by chief minister and minister incharge Panchayats.
There are possibilities that Panchayat polls in Jammu & Kashmir could be held in October- November this year as their five-year term is ending on January 9, 2024.
While the term of Panchayats and block development councils would end on January 09, 2024, the district development councils could also face dissolution with them.