Powerless Panchayats in Jammu Kashmir

Panchayat system is losing its space in Jammu and Kashmir State where the elected candidates are now-a-days tendering resignations to the ruling Government for not allowing them to establish their power point at village level. Decentralization of power is only in papers and not in the hands of the elected in general. Elections are already a year old, members have been elected but sarpanches are still powerless.

In our state Jammu and Kashmir initially during the regime of Maharaja Hari Singh, PRIs in a modest way were introduced in the State and several powers were also bestowed on them for raising taxes and non-taxes besides funding for addressing the infrastructural needs of the rural community. Panchayat adalats were also set up for resolution of local disputes of criminal and civil character by compromise, consensus and reconciliation. Panchayati Raj is the way to make a democratic nation and to give power to the local bodies for solving their issues.

J&K Panchayati Raj Act 1989 was brought in place by which three tiers Panchayati Raj system at Halqa, Block and District level, was prescribed as a step forward for de-centralization of the planning process and carrying out various developmental activities for rural upliftment through participatory management process. In J&K State, PRI election was held in 2001 and tangible steps were taken for empowering the Panchayats for their involvement on wholesome basis in the entire development process as also for looking after various subjects on root areas.

Decentralization of power to the grassroot level in India was the dream of the social reformers and the political parties. The concept of Panchayati Raj is nothing new. It was the dream of Gandhi, the father of the nation; its need was stressed by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, and again seconded by Late Jai Prakash Narayan. When late Rajiv Gandhi came to the helm of affairs in the country, he repeatedly stressed the importance of Panchayati Raj. He wanted to give equal power to those who are living in the villages and led their life on the track of equality from the base. He actually formed his views on the subject by under-taking whirlwind tours of rural India to familiarize himself with the realities of rural life, by holding frequent workshops of District Magistrates all over the country, and thus assessing their views and understanding their difficulties. Mahatma Gandhi was aware about the social life of the rural areas and to their needs which needed a special care. He then sought to give it constitutional sanction by proposing to add a new chapter to the Indian constitution in the form of the 64th amendment, through the Bill which he moved in the Parliament on the 15th of May, 1989.

Panchayati Raj is a system of governance in which gram (village) panchayats are the basic units of administration. It has three levels: Village, Block and District. Mahatma Gandhi advocated Panchayati Raj, a decentralized form of Government where each village is responsible for its own affairs, as the foundation of India's political system. State Governments adopted this during 1950s and 60s as laws were passed to establish Panchayats in various states. Through the 73rd Amendment in 1992 on April 23, 1993 the Institution of Panchayati Raj was accorded the Constitutional status. Regular elections to Panchayats every five years, proportionate seat reservation for SCs/STs, reservation of not less than 1/3 seats for women, Constitution of State Finance Commissions to recommend measures to improve the finances of Panchayats, Constitution of State Election Commission. We wish that the State Government shares their power with PRIs and make them the part of the democracy.

Strong Panchayats major tool to redress grievances of rural masses

Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar today conducted an extensive tour of various villages including Charsoo, Barsoo, Noorpora, Awantipora and Pampore of district Pulwama and reviewed the progress made under various developmental schemes launched by the Rural Development under MG NREGA, IAY and SGSY etc.

The Minister was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, Director Rural Development, Kashmir, Jehangir Mir and other district sectoral heads.

Addressing the people, the Minister said that under MG NREGA Rs. 750 crores out of Rs. 900 crores have been spent during the last financial year. He said that efforts are on to make strong Panchayats by involving the Panchs and Sarpanchs in the development process of the rural areas at grass root level.

Meanwhile, the Director Rural Development, Kashmir in his address said that under MG NREGA, Rs. 14.44 crore against Rs. 17.60 crores have been spent in District Pulwama while 32,153 job cards have been issued to the unemployed persons. He further said that during the last financial year 7.06 lakh mandays have made available to the job card holders. He said Rs. 5.95 crore have been utilized under IAY for construction of 1822 low cost houses.

Curfew continues in Rajouri town

2 Day Employment fair from March 14

Mega training camp held for Panchs Sarpanchs

A mega training camp was organized in Hardu Suresh Khag today on the side lines of Basic Foundation Course training being imparted to 165 Panchs and Sarpanchs of Khag Tehsil.

The Camp was attended by Panchs and Sarpanchs of Khag Tehsil officers and officials of Rural Development department and officers of 14 concerned departments.

Inaugurating the training camp, the chief guest on the occasion District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Mohammad Rafi said that by subordinating 14 departments to Panchayats, the Government has revolutionised the administrative process. He said that in future all the developmental activities would be implemented after discussing the plans with concerned Panchayats. He said that Rural Development department would soon release a Panchayat Directory, which would provide all necessary information and bio data of Panchs and Sarpanchs.

Interacting with many a public delegations on the occasion, the District Development Commissioner assured them that all their grievances would be address in a phased manner.

Among others, Dr. Shah Faisal, Assistant Commissioner Development, Qazi Sarvar, District Panchayat Officer, Budgam, Block Development Officer, Khag, Mohammad Ashraf Dijoo, Officers of concerned departments and other agencies were present on the occasion.

Durga Nagar Committee highlights demands
Global Understanding Course at JU
Good days of tourism

Degree College at Ramgarh soon

Minister for Industries and Commerce, S S Slathia today said that an ambitious project for revival of world famous Basohli paintings, pashmina and kani shawls with emphasis on recreation of antique designs has been undertaken through Handloom Development Corporation to give fresh impetus to the handicrafts activities in the State.

"Antique Basohli paintings and Royal pashmina are in great demand in the international market", Slathia said while addressing a public gathering at Swankha village in Vijaypur today, adding that all the available resources are being pooled to tap the optimum potential under these segments of handicrafts sector.

He said while a special fund of ` 2.50 crore has been earmarked for revival of kani-shawl, silk handloom sarees and recreation of antique pashmina shawls, the common facility centre for development of pashmina at Samba under ASIDE project is being revived at a cost of ` 6 crore.

Slathia said that the Handloom Development Corporation has identified about 600 Royal pashmina shawls from different museums and art galleries, out of which 117 shawl designs have been recreated so far. About 50 more Royal shawls are being recreated during the current fiscal.

Responding to the demands of the villagers, the Minister announced a Degree College at Ramgarh, adding the Government Middle School Swankha will be upgraded to High School standard. He said ongoing works on Dak Bungalow and Childrens' Park will also be expedited.

Slathia asked the villagers of Swankha to provide land for construction of a Community Hall and a Panchayat Bhawan for which adequate funds have been earmarked. He said an irrigation tube well will be constructed in the village during the next fiscal, adding that all possibilities would be explored to open an extension centre of J&K Bank in the village places to visit in kashmir.

On this occasion, about 21 political activists of the village joined National Conference, who was welcomed in the party by the Minister.

Speakers panel not related to Panchayats

The mandate of the Committee of Legislators constituted by the Speaker is only to discuss protocol and perks of legislators and it has nothing to do whatsoever with the transfer of powers to Panchayats.

This was stated by a government spokesman today setting at rest speculations which formed the basis of some news reports as well that the high level panel set up by the Speaker would also settle the issue of transfer of power to Panchayats.

The constitution of panel had created apprehensions in the minds of those votaries for complete empowerment of Panchayats that the draft to be prepared would aim at curbing the powers of Panchayats and ensure the dominating role to the legislators in the power conflict which has emerged after the Panchayat elections.

A spokesman of the government said that all misgivings and canards in this connection were spread by vested interests. He stated that the powers of Panchayats were enshrined in the Panchayat Raj Act and administrative orders issued from time to time in this regard and added that the government stands committed to a strong and empowered Panchayat Raj system in the state. He further asserted that no effort would ever be allowed from any quarter to dilute these powers.

The government spokesman reiterated the government’s firm commitment for a powerful Panchayat Raj and tried to dispel, what it was chosen to describe as, “all efforts to create confusion by some quarters on one or the other pretext” and described them as baseless.

“The government is committed to transfer of powers to Panchayats to make these powerful units of governance at the grass root level,” the spokesman said reiterating that the Committee constituted by the Speaker would have no role whatsoever in the transfer of powers to the Panchayats.

The spokesman said that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah had already set in motion the process of transfer of powers to the Panchayats and till now more than fifty services of fourteen departments had been transferred to the Panchayats besides granting Rs 1.00 lakh to each Panchayat to carry out works in their Panchayat Halqas.

Notably the Speaker has constituted a joint committee of both Houses of the Legislature to prepare a draft for the legislation to identify powers of the MLAs. The panel is headed by senior National Conference leader Chowdhary Mohammed Ramzan.

The panel, also comprising MLAs Harsh Dev Singh, G M Saroori, Abdul Majeed Wani, Abdul Gaffar Sofi, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat and MLCs Ravinder Sharma and Ajay Sadhotra, will submit its report before the budget session so that the government could consider it.

The panel after its constitution met for the second time today and deliberated the issue. Given the lack of consensus on certain issues, the participants felt the need to deliberate them further. The next meeting of panel has been scheduled on February 2.

Panchayat Maha Sabha at Parade

The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that the government was examining two proposals of creating a separate department for implementation of Pubic Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) under the overall control of the Chief Minister or a Commission like that of State Right to Information Commission to be headed by an independent authority to enforce its provisions in J&K.

He was addressing a gathering of Sarpanchs and Panchs at Parade Ground here today. The function was organized by Rural Development and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Departments.

Describing Pubic Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) as one of the biggest initiatives of his government for public empowerment and good-governance, Omar said that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was among the vanguard states in the country to have such a powerful and effective Act in place to ensure prompt service delivery.“Anna Hazare sat on hunger strike for similar legislation,” he said highlighting the importance of this piece of legislation to curbing corruption at lower levels and making service delivery time bound.“We are examining two proposals of creating a separate department for implementation of PSGA under the overall control of the Chief Minister or a Commission like that of State Right to Information Commission to be headed by an independent authority to enforce the provisions of PSGA in the state,” he said indicating the thrust government wanted to lay on the strict implementation of the Act across the state.

The Chief Minister said that Panchayats would be integrated with the planning process at Halqa level during the next financial year adding that this mechanism could not be rolled out in the current financial year as the elections to these institutions were completed in mid year.

Omar said that the elections of Block Panchayat Councils are likely to be completed by March 2012 and those of District Panchayat Councils soon after the Urban Local Body elections are held. Indicating allowances for Sarpanchs and Panchs, the Chief Minister said that a proposal in this regard has been prepared by the Rural Development Department and is presently under examination in the Finance Department.

“We intend to accommodate your demand in this regard to some extent,” he told the grand Panchayat meeting of Sarpanchs and Panchs asking them to devote their full attention to work for public good.

Underlining the role of panchayats in disseminating the provisions of PSGA, Omar said that these basic democratic institutions would play key role in helping the people to get public service delivery in fixed time frame as envisaged in the Act. The Panchayat members could create greater public awareness about the Act educating the people as to how they could take best advantage of it for obtaining public services from the administration in a fixed time limit.

Omar said that the Act turned the table so far as bribes were obtained by unscrupulous government employees for providing public services like issuance of building permission, driving licenses, state subject certificates, ration card, electric and water connections, etc., to common people. “Now the Act has empowered the people to receive compensation from the erring officials for failing or showing any laxity or delay in providing these services within the specified time frame,” he said asking the people to utilize the provisions of this Act to their best use.

“I have been told that the first fine under the Act has been imposed on a Tehsildar from Reasi for not providing Reserve Category Certificate to the applicant in fixed time limit. A portion of it will be paid as compensation to the affected applicant,” he said adding that the Act would be an effective tool in the hands of people to transform the service delivery system of the administration.

The Chief Minister said he had directed bringing some services of Home Department under the ambit of the Act which included issuance of copy of FIR and character certificates. The issuance of MGNREGA card had also been asked to be made time bound under the PSGA. Omar said “Despite many attempts made to disturb law and order and peace in the Valley and other parts of the state by certain elements utilizing different untoward incidents, the people understood the designs of these elements and rejected them totally”, he added and asked the hand of common masses for leading the state towards the shore of peace, prosperity and progress.           

Omar gave full credit to people for extending their full support to him in steering the state out of various troubles and said that the credit goes to people for creating 2011 as a year of peace and economic betterment.          

The Chief Minister said that the peaceful 2011 helped in registering large number of tourists in the state. “About 13 lakh tourists visited the Valley, 6.37 yatris visited Shri Amarnath and over one crore pilgrims visited Mata Vaishno Devi,” he said adding that this helped in generation of wide-ranging economic activities. He expressed the hope that 2012 would also be the year of peace and development in the state. Omar lauded the efforts of PDD, R&B, PHE, CAPD, BEACON, National Power Grid Corporation and other agencies and individuals who worked tirelessly in the biting cold to restore the public services that were severely damaged by the recent heavy snowfall in the Valley and Jammu areas. “I was overseeing the operation and showing my solidarity with them,” he said adding that they actually worked in most difficult conditions and restored the services.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Rural Development, Law and Justice, Ali Mohammed Sagar said that those (PDP leadership) who launched false propaganda against the coalition government are in fact very much frustrated by witnessing the success of Omar-led dispensation in all fields of life. “These people are jealous of the significant work culture put in place by the coalition and historic achievements registered to ameliorate the lot of masses,” he added and said that during their (PDP) tenure they could not even transfer one service to panchayats and urban local bodies and made these non-entity units.

He said coalition government would continue to work with added efforts to bring about socio-economic change and peace in Jammu and Kashmir making it prosperous, tranquil and progressive state as dreamt by Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.

Presenting resume of the achievements registered in Rural Development and other sectors during the last three years, Sagar said that the funds earmarked for MGNREGA in 2008-09 when the present government took over were just Rs 69 Cr which have been raised to Rs 750 Cr this year and next year’s allocations would be Rs 1500 Cr. He said wide-ranging development works in huge numbers in the form of construction of roads, culverts, small bridges, check dams and protection bunds have been completed across the state besides raising plantations and conducting land development works.

Sagar said that the state government has sent a proposed to the Government of India for enhancing the daily rate of MGNREGA workers from Rs. 100 to Rs. 125. “We want to raise it to Rs. 200 in near future,” he added and said that snow clearance operation was also being brought under ambit of MGNREGA to provide additional mandays of work to the labourers in winter months.

Sagar expressed gratitude to the UPA leadership for extending full support to Omar-led coalition for meeting all challenges and carrying forward development process with a purpose and determination. He said that coalition government was working in tandem to bring about socio-economic change in the state and restore peace. “We would work with same determination and commitment during next three years under the leadership of Omar Abdullah to achieve the targets on all fronts,” he added.

The Law Minister also referred to the measures government has initiated for the welfare of Bench and Bar and talked about in detail about the enactment of historic Public Service Guarantee Act in the state.In his speech Minister of State for Rural Development, Ajaz Ahmad Khan said that the people were real judges to judge the performance of a government. He said the work card of coalition dispensation under the leadership of Omar Abdullah was the mirror of its public friendly and development oriented approach.Khan said that the achievements registered in rural development and other sectors itself speak of the government’s intension at revolutionizing the socio-economic conditions of the people especially living in far-flung and backward area.

He also talked about the holding of panchayat elections and transferring of powers to the sarpanches and panches and said that the powerful, effective and viable panchayat system is the aim of the government.

Both Sagar and Khan lauded the Chief Minister for himself monitoring the restoration of public services to the people that were disrupted due to heavy snowfall. “Your visits to various affected districts in the Valley and in Jammu and personally overseeing the restoration operation in difficult situation put in energy and enthusiasm in the functionaries and helped restoration of services as early as possible,” they said.

Omar inaugurated the photo exhibition organized by Information Department to depict the three years achievements registered in the Rural Development sector.The Chief Minister released Urdu, Hindi and English version of Public Service Guarantee Act in a form of a Book published by the Rural Development Department. He also released Report Card of the Department for last three years and a newsletter by the Department of Law and Justice.

The Chief Minister also released revised 3 Vols. of J&K Law Book. Its 6 more Vols. are expected by March 2012.Present on the occasion were Minister for Industries, S S Slathia, Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik, Minister for Sheep and Animal Husbandry, Aga Syed Ruhulla, Minister of State for Power, Shabir Ahmad Khan, Advisors to the Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul and Devender Singh Rana, Vice Chairpersons of Advisory Boards, Swarn Lata, Rachpal Singh, Bashir Ahmad Naaz and Kuldeep Raj, legislators, senior officers and sarpanches and panches from various areas of the state.Commissioner Secretary Rural Development, Farooq Ahmad Peer presented the welcome address while the Secretary Law G H Tantray presented vote of thanks.

Sarpanch locks school

Sarpanch shows power locks school, seizes official records

Showing his powers a sarpanch on wednesday locked the high school and seized the official records at Nagbal, Yusmarg in central kashmirs Budgam district. Reports said that a sarpanch, Ghulam Mohammad Ahangar this afternoon locked the school and seized the attendance register of the staff after he found some teachers absent from duty," sources said.

They said that the sarpanch with out listening to the teachers present locked the school and took the arrival along forcing the hundreds of students to return to their homes. Though the sarpanch claims that he took the step for the benefit of the students, the officials maintain that he is unnecessarily interfering in the administrative matters of the school. "The school is not only short of staff but the teachers posted there always remain absent from the duty. After the authorities failed to solve the problem despite repeated representations to them i decided to lock the school,"Sarpanch said. He said that when he visited the school this afternoon he found only three teachers present there.

1300 vacancies in Panchayats

The Election Department would write to the Government tomorrow on about 1300 vacancies, which couldn’t be filled during the Panchayat elections due to varied reasons, to take a decision on their fate.

Out of 33,849 posts of Sarpanches and Panches, for which elections were successfully conducted by the State Election Department in 16 phases, nearly 1300 posts of Sarpanches and Panches remained vacant most in Kashmir region.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and Home Secretary B R Sharma told the Excelsior that he was in the process of writing to the Government about the vacancies in Panchayat elections, which couldn’t be filled during the elections.

"We are writing to the Government to take a decision tomorrow on the vacancies. It would depend on the Government as to what decision they take. If they ask us to issue a fresh notification for the vacant posts of Panchayats, it would be done shortly’’, Mr Sharma said.

He said all over 4000 Panchayats out of a total of 4130 across the State would be constituted any time after June 30.

"We are forwarding the list of over 4000 Panchayats elected during the 16 phase elections to the State Government on June 30. The names of elected Sarpanches and Panches would be submitted to the Government. Any time, thereafter, the Government could constitute the Panchayats, which would formally come into existence in first week of next month’’, Mr Sharma said.

The election was held for 4130 Panchayats including 1966 in Jammu division and 2164 in Kashmir division (including Ladakh region). Besides 4130 Sarpanches, election was held for 28,719 Panches including 15,959 in Kashmir division and 13,760 in Jammu.

However, about 1300 posts of Sarpanches and Panches, majority of Panches in Kashmir division remained unfilled. While in some segments, the candidates didn’t come forward, in some constituencies, the election couldn’t be held due to stay order obtained by the candidates through the courts.

The Government would decide whether to go for another phase of election for vacancies of Sarpanches and Panches, hold nominations or leave the vacancies unfilled, where there is no stay order.

Meanwhile, elections were held in two left out Panchayat blocks of Zanskar and Lunuk in Kargil district of Ladakh region today.

While 65 per cent voting was recorded in Zanskar block, 67 per cent people cast their votes in Lunuk.

The voting concluded peacefully, official sources said.

Sixteen phase election process had successfully been completed on June 18 excepting these two blocks. Polling in Zanskar and Lunuk was initially scheduled to be held in July as the areas remained snow bound till the end of June. However, this year, the roads were re-opened at the earliest and the polling was advanced to June 27.

The Model Code of Conduct was lifted from the State on June 18 after the near completion of electoral process in the State.

Panchayat elections 14th phase

Even as nearly 99 per cent contestants in four blocks of Leh district were elected unopposed in 14th phase of Panchayat elections today, 67.3 per cent electorates exercised their right to franchise in the polls for nine blocks of three regions of the State to elect 166 Sarpanches and 597 Panches.

Nine blocks spread over all three regions of the State—Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh—that went to polls today comprised 217 Sarpanch and 1486 Panch constituencies. However, 217 Sarpanches and 1486 Panches had been elected as unopposed while there were no contestants for two Sarpanch and 155 Panch segments.

Out of a total of 2.22 lakh votes, 1.49 lakh exercised their right to franchise in 14th phase of voting today.

Highest turnout of 90 per cent was reported from Kralpora block of Kupwara district where election was held for three Panchayats only while lowest voting percentage of 52.3 was recorded in Pampore block of Pulwama district.

Bhallesa block of Doda district accounted for 84.7 voting. Voting percentage in other blocks included Kalaroos, Kupwara (84), Shopian (63), Nobra (82.3), Panamik (72.4), Nyoma (72) and Durbuk (78).

Polling in Bhallesa block of Doda district passed off peacefully amidst tight security arrangements. People turned up in large number in far off and remote areas of Bhallesa to cast their votes.

Heavy turn-out was recorded even from the villages where threat of the militants once loomed large. Long queues of people were witnessed right from the morning at Gandoh proper, Chilli, Samara, Manch, Haddal, Kota, Kilotran, Bharti, Soti, Kaljugasar, Goha, Changa and other areas of Bhallesa block.

The polling and counting remained incident free.

DIG Doda-Ramban range Manish Kumar Sinha and SP Headquarters Doda Arif Mohammad Reshu supervised security arrangements for the polls.

Polling would conclude in Jammu region in 15th phase of elections on June 11 with elections in Bhaderwah in Doda district, Marwah, Dachchan and Inshan in Kishtwar district. Polling process has already been completed in eight blocks of 10 districts of Jammu region.

Immediately after the polling was completed, counting of the votes was taken up at all places. Majority of results had been declared by late tonight and the election process would be over by tomorrow morning.

Like previous phase, majority of candidates for the posts of Sarpanches and Panches had been elected unopposed this time too.

Official sources said 13 out of 14 Sarpanches and 90 out of 92 Panches had been elected uncontested in Nobra block of Leh leaving only three constituencies for the election. Similarly, five out of six Sarpanches and 39 out of 40 Panches were elected unopposed in Panamik block of Leh district. Election in Panamik was held for only two segments.

In Nyoma block of Leh, nine Sarpanches from a total of 13 and 78 Panches from amongst 79 had been elected unanimously necessitating elections in five segments only while in Durbuk block of the same district six out of seven Sarpanches and 42 from 46 Panches were elected unopposed leading to polling only for five seats.

A total of 49 Sarpanches including one male and 734 Panches, 260 of them women, had been elected as unopposed.

In Shopian, seven Sarpanches had been elected unopposed while five Sarpanches won uncontested in Bhallesa block of Doda. Two Sarpanches were elected uncontested in Kalaroos and one each in Kralpora and Pampore.

Thirty-seven Panches were elected unopposed in Kalaroos, 17 in Kralpora, 52 in Pampore, 244 in Shopian and 135 in Bhallesa.

A highest number of 107 Panch constituencies went uncontested in Shopian block followed by 39 in Pampore in Pulwama. Two Sarpanch constituencies remained uncontested in Pampore. In Bhallesa also, three Panch segments went uncontested.

Out of a total of 20,306 votes, 17,057 exercised their right to franchise in Kalaroos block of Kupwara while 2349 votes were polled from a total of 2610 in Kralpora block of Kupwara district.

In Pampore block of Pulwama district, 24,307 from 46,458 votes were cast while in Shopian, 67,266 votes were polled from a total of 1.06 lakh.

In Nobra block of Leh, 706 votes were polled from a total of 857 while in Panamik block, 1123 votes were cast from 1551. In Nyoma block, 1215 people turned up for voting from a total of 1687 while in Durbuk block of Leh, 277 people exercised their right to franchise from 354.

In Bhallesa block of Doda district, 35,362 people exercised their right to franchise from 41,707.

J&K Panchayat Polls

Jammu Kashmir Panchayat polls from April 13-June 18

Today the Government set the ball rolling for the Panchayat elections and the Elections Department officially announced that the first phase of the elections of 16 will begin on 13 April. The last phase will take place June 18, while the panchayats would be June 30 this year. With the announcement of elections to be held in a non-Party, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force.

Shortly after the arrival of Prime Minister Omar Abdullah, in London, where he had gone to attend the last rites of his aunt, ordered the notice of the election. Initially, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohamed Sagar made an announcement in Parliament that the government established the Panchayat election process in motion.

Shortly thereafter, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) BR Sharma and the Minister announced 16 stage timetable for the Panchayat elections.

The elections will be held April 13, 1917, 21, 25 and 30, May 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 25 and 29 and 02 June, 6, 11 and 18.

Although the elections are held in a non-party, the model code of conduct (MCC) came into force from today throughout the state and that applies to all political parties including the ruling party, Mr. Sharma said and called on all political parties, candidates and government officials to adhere strictly to the MCC.

Panches sarpanches names and elected by the people must be notified no later than June 30, Mr. James, accompanied by Joint Deputy CEO and Director General Harcharan Puneet Sharma, Singh said.

A total of 50.68 lakh voters exercised their right of franchise to elect sarpanches 4130 (2164 in 1966 in Kashmir and Jammu) and Pancho 29,719 (15,959 to 13,760 in Jammu and Kashmir). There are a total of 143 blocks in 22 districts in the state, going to the polls (77 of 66 in Jammu and Kashmir). The data in the region of Ladakh in Kashmir have been included.

Mr. Sharma said the sarpanches would be entitled to a charge of Rs 6,000, while a Panch could spend RS 3000 elections. Candidates had to submit a dispute the details of the costs of Deputy High Commissioner, District Panchayat Election Officer would be within 30 days after the announcement of the results.

The counting of votes will take place the same day it goes out the vote.

In 2001, elections were held by only 1,600 panchayats. Before this, the elections were held in the State Panchayat only three times in 1969, 1972 and 1978, while the Panchayat elections in most other states in the country were carried out from 11 to 12 times.

According to official sources, the elections to Urban Local Government or the Municipal Councils and Corporations Committees will take place after the Panchayat elections.

For April 13 elections, the notification will be issued on March 18 and March 25 is the deadline for filing nomination. Ballot will be held March 26, candidates can withdraw their name by March 28. April 17 elections, the notification will be issued on March 22, while candidates may submit an application until 29 March. Ballot will be held on March 30 and April 1 is the deadline for withdrawal of nominations.

For April 21 elections, the notification will be issued on March 25, applications can be submitted to the April 1 ballot will be held April 2 and April 5 is the deadline for the withdrawal of documents. From the April 25 poll, the notification will be released March 29. Applications may be submitted until 05 April, the date control was established on April 6 and the last date of withdrawal on April 8.

For April 30 elections, the notice will be published on April 1 and applications can be submitted until April 8. For May 4 elections, the notification will be issued on 5 April and applications can be submitted until 13 April. Seventh phase of voting will take place on 8 May, to which the notice is published on 9 April and applications can be submitted until 18 April. Eighth round of the notification will be issued on April 15 and polls will be held May 12. Applications may be submitted until 23 April.

ninth stage of the vote was scheduled for May 16, 1919 April notification and the date of the withdrawal in April 1926, while the tenth stage notification will be issued on April 23, the deadline for applications was set for 30 April Voting will take place May 21.

Eleventh phase polling will be held 0:13 May 5, 1929 May and 2 June for what would be the notification issued on April 27 and 30 and 04 May, while the deadline for applications is 04 May 7 and 11.

14 survey phase will take place June 6 to which the report was issued on 9 May and applications can be submitted until 16 May during the 15th stage of control is scheduled for 11 June which notification was issued on May 13 and forms can be filled until 20 May. Final phase of voting will take place on 16 and 18 June for the notification was issued on 25 May, applications submitted before 1 June elections will be held June 2 and forms can be picked until 4 June.

Jammu district would vote on 8 stages. Bishnah block go to the polls on April 13, RS Pura Satwari April 17, 1921 April 25 April de Marhan Bhalwal April 30, 2004 de mayo Dansal Akhnoor Khouri May 8 and May 12.

Rajouri district would have five stages of voting. Sunderbans block would go to the polls on May 12, May 16 Doong and Nowshera Rajouri and Manjakote Thann Mandi May 21 and June 6 and Darhal Budhal Kalakota and 11 June.

Poonch district go to the polls in four phases. Balakot will have polls on May 21 while Surankote and Bafliaz go to the polls on May 4. Poll Mandi in Poonch and is scheduled for 29 May, while Mendhar vote June 2.

Samba district will have three stages of voting. Samba block go to the polls on April 13 and April Vijaypur 17. Purmandal Ghagwal blocks and would have voted on 21 April.

Kathu district go to the polls in six phases. While Loha Malhar, Bani and Duggan blocks would have voted on April 25, Basohli going to vote April 30. Billawar vote was set for May 8 to May 12 and Kathu Hiranagar 16 May.

Udhampur district would also be a voting phase six. April 14, polls will be held in Udhampur, while Kenan vote April 17, Dudu Basantgarh Ramnagar and 21 April 25 April Ghord Majalta Pancharevo April 30 and May 4.

Reas and Ramban districts would be a ballot in four phases. Reas Poun block would go to the polls on 25 April 30 April Reas Mahora May 4 and May 8, while Ramban Arnas block would go to the polls on May 16, May 21 Ramsoo Banihal and May 4 May 29 Gool.

militancy-infested Doda district have a polling process of six stages. Assar will vote May 21 on May 4 Marmato Ghat Doda on May 29 and June 2 Gundani Bhagwati, Thathri and Bhaderwah Bhalessa June 6 and June 11. Kishtwar is a survey of five phases.

Voting for the block of Kishtwar has set May 16 May 21 Drabshalla Inderwal Padda May 4 and May 29 Nagseni Marwah, Dachhan Warwar and 2 June.

Leh district has a vote of three phases. Chuchot Leh and blocks that go to the polls on June 2, and Nobre, Panama, Nyomi, and Kahru Durbuk vote June 11. Khaltsi Suspol and vote on 18 June. Kargil has only two stages of voting. Taisure, Drass, Kargil GM pore (Trespone) Sankoo Shaket Chiktan and planned to go to the voting station on 11 June and Zanskar, Shargole Lungnuk and will vote June 18.

Srinagar district will have a seat in a May 16. Ganderbal have a ballot in four phases. Voting was scheduled for April 13 April Kangan Lar April 17 Wakura Ganderbal 21 and April 25. Budgam will stage an eight polls. Budgam block would vote April 13, 1917 de abril Nagami, Chadoora Beerwah 21 April 25 April 30 April Khansahib KClick Narbal May 5 May 8 and May 12 BK Pora.

Anantnag district will stage an eight polls. Qaimooh block go to the polls April 13 May 4 May 8 Brenga Shangus Shahabad Khoveripora May 12 May 16, 1921 de mayo Dachinpora Qazigund May 4 and May 29, Achabal. Kulgam, however, have a five-phase voting polls Quimoh Pahloo April 13, 1917 April Kulgam Developers April 21 April 25 and April 30 Damhal Hanji Pora. Shopian also have one vote with his two blocks Shopian and Keller go to the polls on June 6.

Pulwama would have voted in five stages. Keller block vote on May 21, Pulwama Kakapora May 25 May 29 June 2 Tral and Pampore June 6. Bandipora also initiate a vote of five phases on May 16 followed by Sumbal block Hajin Bandipora 21 May 25 May Tulail Gurëz June 2 and June 6.

Baramulla will take more than 12 voting phase. Uri block is scheduled for April 17 polls, 21 April Boniyar Roham Wagoora April 25 April 30, 2004 de mayo Kunze Tangmarg May 8, Rafiabad Singhpora May 12 May 16, 1921 de mayo Pattan, 25 May Zaingeer Baramulla and Sopore May 29 June 2.

Kupwara has the second highest number of the voting phase 11. Kupwara would block a vote in the first round April 17 April 13 Wavoora Sogama Ramhal 21 April 25 April 30 April Rajwada Lange Kralpora May 4 Trehgam May 8 May 12 to 16 Teetwal Tangdhar May May 21 and June 6 Kalaroos.

The CEO said that the cards electoral photo identity (EPIC) can be used by voters at the polls. However, an alternative list of 19 documents was notified by the Department for the election for the purpose of identification, if not in the possession of the epics.

The elections will take place through the ballot box and not electronic voting machines (EVMS), as envisaged in the Panchayati Raj Act. Approximately 14 thousand voting will be required for election. While 6000 is available in state polls, the surveys of 8000 will be hired by the neighboring state of Punjab.

In Jammu, Kishtwar district has 1.23 lakh votes, 2.13 lakh Doda, Ramban 1.38 lakh, 1.61 lakh Reas, Udhampur 2.79 lakh, 3.27 lakh Kathu, Samba 1.76 lakh, 5.66 lakh Jammu, Poonch and Rajouri lakh 2.47 lakh 3.16.

In the region of Ladakh Leh Kargil has 62,606 votes and 71,765.

In Kashmir, Anantnag district is 01.04 lakh votes, Kulgam 1.93 lakh, 1.34 lakh Shopian, Pulwama 2.63 lakh, 3.35 lakh Budgam, Srinagar 15,061, 1.21 lakh Ganderbal, Bandipora 1, 51 lakh, Baramulla and Kupwara lakh7 4.37 3 , 3 lakh.

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