SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Tuesday that elections for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will take place following the completion of the delimitation process for respective wards.
Speaking at an event where he felicitated councillors of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, whose tenure concluded today, LG Sinha said that the local body elections would be scheduled post the conclusion of the delimitation exercise and the reservation of wards for Other Backward Classes.
This statement from the LG comes in response to recent reports suggesting a potential delay in conducting ULB polls.
During the event, LG Sinha commended the councilors for their service to the people, their efforts in combating the Covid pandemic, and their contributions to municipal services in their respective areas.
Emphasising the need for collaboration between the general public and elected representatives, he urged a collective focus on resource generation.
LG Sinha also praised the Central government, highlighting that despite the delayed implementation of the 73rd and 74th amendments in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has successfully decentralized decision-making and development. This was achieved by transferring more departments and responsibilities to elected representatives since August 2019.
He concluded by describing the Municipal Corporation as a symbol of citizens’ aspirations in the 21st century, stating that urban governance encourages cooperation among citizens with the goal of transforming the urban development paradigm to meet the aspirations of the people. (KNO)
