Govt likely to hold polls for vacant Panchayat seats by March

SRINAGAR, Jan. 2 -- Jammu and Kashmir government is likely to hold Panchayat elections for 60 percent vacant seats by March next year.

Panchayat elections were conducted in November-December 2018 for 4483 Panchayat halqas. There are 4483 Sarpanch and 35029 Panch seats in Jammu and Kashmir. However, elections in 60 percent Panchayat seats could not take place due to varied reasons.

An official at Election Office said Centre has told Jammu and Kashmir government to initiate process for holding elections in vacant Panchayat seats.

"Chief Electoral Officer Shailandra Kumar also discussed with Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu about holding elections for vacant Panchayat seats. Polls are likely to be conducted in March next year," he said.

The of...