Srinagar, Jul 7: In a matter of concern the post of Jammu & Kashmir State Election Commissioner (SEC)—an authority responsible for overseeing local body elections—remains vacant for over two months now.
Official sources said that the position fell vacant on April 27 when former SEC, BR Sharma, completed his tenure upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 65 years.
According to the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the SEC is appointed for a term of five years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier. With Sharma’s departure, the absence of a successor has effectively stalled preparatory work for conducting local polls.
The delay in appointment has sparked concerns about holding crucial Panchayat and municipal elections in the Union Territory.
As per the Act, the State Election Commissioner shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of a Committee headed by Chief Minister and comprising a senior minister to be nominated by the Chief Minister, Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Minister Incharge Panchayats and Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly.
The leader of opposition Sunil Sharma said that keeping such an important position vacant for a longer period shows non-seriousness on part of the government towards strengthening grassroots democracy.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference said that the post of SEC has been vacant for too long.
The JKPC said the delay in appointment has stopped the democratic process at the grassroots level. (KNO)
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