J&K forms committees to plan for district development council elections

Apart from the apex level committee, two divisional level committees have also been set up which will be headed by the divisional commissioners, Jammu and Srinagar

The J&K government on Tuesday began the process of holding elections for district development councils by constituting apex and divisional level committees. These committees would draw up a detailed schedule for the council elections.

Voters leave after casting their vote at a polling station during panchayat elections in Ganderbal district of J&K in 2018. (PTI file)

The apex level committee will be headed by the principal secretary, home, and the director general of police, additional director general of police (CID), divisional commissioners, Jammu and Kashmir, secretary, rural development and panchayati raj will be its members. The committee will submit its report on October 27.

Two divisional level committees have also been set up which will be headed by the divisional commissioners, Jammu and Srinagar.

“The apex and divisional committees will draw a road map and detailed schedule for conducting elections to District Development Councils in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” reads the order issued by additional secretary to J&K government, Rohit Sharma.

On Saturday, the J&K government had announced that it will amend Panchayati Raj rules to set up district development councils.

As per the guidelines, every DDC will comprise a standing Committee for finance, development, public works, health, education and welfare. As per the amendments, each district will have a district planning committee.