DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Jan 16
The abrogation of Article 370 and the implementation of the J&K Reorganisation Act marked a historic change in the governance structure of Jammu & Kashmir. Following this, the first-ever elections for District Development Councils (DDCs) were conducted in the Union Territory. These elections saw the participation of 7 lakh voters for 280 members, with 3.7 lakh votes from Kashmir and 3.2 lakh from Jammu. This was a significant step toward grassroots democracy, as the Panchayati Raj Act of 1989 in J&K had previously failed to empower local bodies effectively. On October 17, 2020, the Central Government decided to revive the Panchayati Raj Act of 1989 by establishing a robust three-tier governance system. This initiative has strengthened democracy, ensured the implementation of central policies, and created opportunities for new leadership to address the needs of rural communities. However, a pressing concern now is the need for clear delineation of powers between MLAs and DDC members. Ambiguity in their roles and responsibilities hampers their ability to function effectively. Additionally, the budget allocation for DDCs remains inadequate compared to other states in India, limiting their capacity to execute developmental projects and address the aspirations of their constituents.
It is imperative to demand that the J&K Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, takes concrete steps to empower DDC members. A well-defined framework outlining the roles and powers of MLAs and DDCs must be established. Moreover, adequate budgetary provisions should be allocated to ensure the holistic development of all districts. Strengthening DDCs with proper funding and authority will not only realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of grassroots democracy but also foster equitable and inclusive development in the Union Territory. This is a call to action for the government to prioritize the needs of DDC members and rural populations, ensuring that democracy flourishes and development reaches every corner of Jammu & Kashmir.
