Sources have revealed that the administration of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory would shortly designate the State Election Commissioner (SEC) in light of reports that Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in October and November of this year.
Former Chief Secretary BR Sharma is reportedly in the running for the position of State Election Commissioner in Jammu and Kashmir. On February 1, 2023, once K.K. Sharma’s tenure as SEC director ended, the position became open.
Former J&K Chief Secretary BR Sharma has experience in elections thanks to his time as the state’s chief electoral officer (CEO) in 2008 Assembly elections, which attracted a large number of voters.
Elections at all three levels of India’s Panchayati Raj system must be held by the State Election Commission, in accordance with the country’s constitution.
When Jammu and Kashmir is under President’s Rule under section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory appoints the State Election Commissioner per the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989.
When an elected government is in place, the SEC is chosen by the LG based on the advice of a committee consisting of the CM, the LO, the LA speaker, a senior minister selected by the CM, and the minister in charge of the Panchayats.
As its five-year tenure ends on January 9, 2024, Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir might take place in October or November of this year.
District development councils may be dissolved along with Panchayats and block development councils on January 9, 2024, since their terms would have expired.
