Srinagar: In a matter of concern the post of Jammu & Kashmir State Election Commissioner (SEC) remains vacant for over two months now.
Official sources told KNO that the position fell vacant on April 27 when former SEC, BR Sharma, completed his tenure upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 65 years.
According to the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the SEC is appointed for a term of five years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier. With Sharma’s departure, the absence of a successor has effectively stalled preparatory work for conducting local polls.
The delay in appointment has sparked concerns about holding crucial Panchayat and municipal elections in the Union Territory.
Talking to news agency- KNO, leader of opposition Sunil Sharma said that keeping such an important position vacant for a longer period shows non-seriousness on part of the government towards strengthening grassroots democracy.
