Jammu, June 3 -- All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), an apex body of sarpanches and panches on Monday expressed concern over the prolonged delay in holding panchayat polls in the union territory, while pointing out that more than a year has passed since the dissolution of panchayats on January 9, 2024.

In an appeal to the UT administration, AJKPC president Anil Sharma, during a press conference, called for an immediate action to restore grassroots democracy and unlock developmental funds meant for rural areas.

Sharma said that failure to conduct elections within one year of dissolution has resulted in blockage of funds meant for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). These funds, he stressed, are vital for the execution of ...