For the first time, Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Jammu and Kashmir will have reservations for positions such as Sarpanchs and Panchs. Previously, these reservations were limited to women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in panchayati raj institutions.
It follows amendments introduced by the J&K government in the Panchayat Raj Act 1989. The changes also clarify rules for disqualification from Halqa Panchayat membership and the suspension or removal of Sarpanch, Naib Sarpanch, and Panch by the government. Removal will be pursued in cases involving confirmed misappropriation of funds or other specified issues during the investigation.
A third amendment outlining the process for removal and establishing service conditions for the State Election Commissioner has also been approved. OBCs will also have reserved positions in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs); it requires separate amendments to the existing Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation and Jammu and Kashmir Municipalities Acts. Presently, reservations in ULBs are only available for Women, SCs, and STs.
The amendments aim to align the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, at par with the standards set by other States/Union Territories. They also underline the amendments' goal to enhance transparency in Panchayati Raj Institutions, adhere to constitutional principles, and match practices seen in states where OBC reservations, apart from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, are implemented.
The amendments received approval during a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and attended by key officials. However, Municipal and Panchayat elections initially slated between October and December were postponed due to the inclusion of OBCs in the reservation list.
The elections will only proceed after finalizing the percentage of reservations for OBCs in Municipalities and Panchayats. Subsequently, Wards in municipal corporations, councils, committees, and panchayats will be reserved, alongside delimitation.
While there isn't a fixed timeline for these elections, chances are such polls will be held after the Lok Sabha polls scheduled for April-May. Urban local bodies completed their five-year terms in November and December, whereas panchayats will complete their tenure on January 9.
The Block Development Councils (BDCs), the second tier in the Panchayati Raj System, will also cease to exist temporarily. However, the District Development Councils (DDCs), the third tier, will continue until January 2026. This marks the inaugural establishment of all three tiers of Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir.