Jammu, Nov 29: The state government is contemplating to amend Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act before conducting Block Development Council (BDC) elections across the state.
The move has come after the state government failed to conduct BDC elections within 30 days of completion of Panchayat elections in the state.
“The government will make amendment in Rule 102 of State Panchayati Raj Act in view of its failure to conduct BDC elections within 30 days of completion of Panchayat elections in the state,” official sources said adding, “Under the rule it was necessary for the government to hold the elections within 30 days but now the rule needs to be amended,” sources said.
Sources further said that the Rural Development Department (RDD) will conduct BDC elections after making necessary amendments in Rule 102 of the Panchayati Raj Act.
Over 100 Sarpanch and Panch constituencies didn’t have their elected representatives because Panchayat elections were not conducted in these segments due to unfavourable conditions, sources maintained.
“The department has decided to complete BDC elections till January 2012 by effecting necessary amendments in the Act,” sources said, adding “The election department has already begun the process for smooth conduct of BDC elections. The department has set in motion the process for preparation of separate electoral rolls of elected Panchs and Sarpanchs.”
Sources said the Block Development Officers (BDOs) have been directed to complete the process for finalizing the electoral rolls of Panchs and Sarpanchs within 30 days.
“The state election department has been awaiting the government’s nod for holding the BDC elections. We have started the arrangements for smooth and transparent elections of BDCs which are being conducted for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir,” an official of electoral department told Greater Kashmir.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST