Jammu, Mar 3: The Jammu and Kashmir government remains resolute in its commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy by ensuring the timely conduct of Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha affirmed on Monday. Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly during the ongoing budget session, Sinha emphasized the administration’s focus on empowering local governance structures and fostering greater citizen participation in decision-making processes.
The recent submission of the final recommendations by the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission has paved the way for holding long-pending elections to local bodies. The commission, established in June 2023, conducted an empirical study on the representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local governance. With its findings now available, the electoral roadmap for municipal bodies, panchayats, and block development councils is expected to gain momentum.
For over a year, these institutions have remained without elected representatives, leading to concerns over governance and developmental progress. The term of municipalities expired between October and November 2023, while the five-year tenure of panchayats and block development councils concluded in January 2024.
Highlighting the government’s proactive stance, Sinha stated, “My government has ensured an adequate resource envelope for Panchayati Raj Institutions, enabling them to undertake sustainable and inclusive development in their respective areas. This commitment empowers local governance, strengthens grassroots democracy, and accelerates holistic regional growth.”
He reiterated that the administration had taken substantial steps to streamline the recruitment process across various sectors, ensuring a transparent, merit-based selection system. These efforts, he said, are directed at providing greater employment opportunities while reinforcing the efficiency and integrity of the workforce.
To enhance governance accountability, the government has also introduced digital grievance redressal mechanisms such as ‘JK Samadhan’ and ‘Raabta’. These platforms are designed to ensure transparency, responsiveness, and fairness in service delivery, enabling citizens to engage more effectively with the administration.
The lieutenant governor also reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the dignified rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants, ensuring their safe and secure return to the valley. As part of this initiative, the construction of transit accommodation projects for migrant employees has been accelerated, with designated locations identified to provide them with suitable housing.
“These initiatives reflect our dedication to restoring confidence, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all communities,” Sinha said.
The government is also placing a strong emphasis on enhancing healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure quality, accessible, and affordable medical services for all citizens.
“Prestigious institutions such as AIIMS Jammu and AIIMS Kashmir, along with newly established paediatric and cancer hospitals, are transforming tertiary healthcare delivery,” Sinha said.
He noted that the expansion of critical care facilities, dialysis centers, and telemedicine services is significantly improving access to specialized treatment. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT scheme, over 15.35 lakh free treatments have been provided, resulting in savings of approximately ₹2,765 crore in out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
To further strengthen emergency healthcare services, 489 ambulances have been integrated into the 102-108 ambulance network, benefiting around 4.50 lakh patients. Additionally, AIIMS Kashmir is nearing completion and is expected to become operational soon, further enhancing medical infrastructure in the region.
Recognizing the need to expand medical education opportunities, the government is increasing MBBS and postgraduate seats for the 2025-26 academic session. This move aims to provide aspiring doctors with greater academic and professional opportunities in the Union Territory.
Addressing the growing concern of substance abuse, the lieutenant governor stressed that the government is intensifying its fight against drug addiction by expanding the network of functional drug de-addiction centers across Jammu and Kashmir.
“This initiative adopts a comprehensive approach focused on rehabilitation, awareness, and prevention, with the ultimate goal of creating a drug-free and healthier society,” Sinha remarked.
With the upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections, the government aims to reinvigorate democratic institutions at the grassroots level, enabling more inclusive decision-making and community-driven governance. Additionally, ongoing initiatives in employment generation, healthcare, and social welfare are set to reinforce the administration’s commitment to holistic development.
As the Omar Abdullah-led government navigates its first budget session, these measures are expected to shape Jammu and Kashmir’s governance framework in the coming years, ensuring stability, transparency, and sustainable growth for the Union Territory.