No Local Body Representatives in J&K from January 9

Why is it in the news?

Starting January 9, the term of nearly 30,000 local representatives in Jammu and Kashmir comes to an end, resulting in the loss of electoral representation at the grassroots level.

More about the news

J&K has been under Central rule since the collapse of the BJP-PDP coalition government in June 2018.
In September 2018, the Union government transferred 29 subjects, including primary health centres and schools, to Panchayats under the 73rd amendment.
J&K partially adopted these changes after the 1993 passage of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
In 2020, the Union Cabinet approved the adapted Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, creating District Development Councils in the UT, with members directly elected by the people and no involvement from the Legislative Assembly.
New panchayat elections in J&K will be conducted following the ongoing delimitation exercise.

Constitutional Provisions for Local Body Elections

73rd Amendment Act, 1992 (Panchayati Raj):

· Enacted to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system in rural areas.

· Provides constitutional status to Panchayats (local self-government institutions at the village, intermediate, and district levels).

· Part IX of the Constitution contains provisions related to Panchayats.

· 29 subjects addressed in Schedule 11 concerning panchayats.

74th Amendment Act, 1992 (Urban Local Bodies):

· Aimed at strengthening Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in urban areas.

· Provides constitutional status to Municipalities (local self-government institutions in urban areas).

· Part IXA of the Constitution contains provisions related to Municipalities.

· 18 subjects covered in Schedule 12 pertaining to municipalities.

AMIGOS IAS