Centre directs J&K, Ladakh to hold Panchayat polls: Parl Panel
Srinagar, July 28 – The Central Government has directed the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to conduct Panchayat elections at the earliest. This information was revealed in a report tabled in Parliament by the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
According to the report, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) had issued an advisory in December 2024, instructing several states and Union Territories—including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh—to conduct pending Panchayat elections in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“The Ministry has urged the states and Union Territories to take all necessary steps to hold Panchayat elections so that the democratic process is not disrupted,” the report stated.
On December 18, 2024, the Ministry sent advisories to Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. On June 3, 2025, similar advisories were issued to Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
The Committee also recommended that the Ministry take up this issue at the highest level with state governments to ensure the full implementation of the objectives of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
“Failure to conduct Panchayat elections goes against the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. The Ministry should treat this matter with seriousness and take strict action,” the Committee asserted.
