Panchayati Raj Institutions in Jammu and Kashmir: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Panchayats as traditional institutions were seen in India as almost sacred with their Panchas (members) referred to as 'Panch Parmeshwar' (member as God) with expectations of fairness and justice in their role of settlement of local inter-personal and community disputes. The genesis of the new panchayats can be traced to the attempts made in colonial India. The State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has its own unique history as far as Panchayati Raj is concerned. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Panchayati Raj Institutions are established under the Jammu&Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. However, the provisions of 73^rd Amendment Act were not extended to the State owing to the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. Although the State Government has adopted various provisions of 73^rd Amendment Act, the Jammu&Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 has many loopholes.