Srinagar, March 26 -- "All the Block Development Officers- BDOs in addition to their own duties would also act as administrators for village Panchayats under their jurisdiction for a period of six months with effect from January 10, 2024, or till further orders."

It is now more than 2 months since BDOs have been assigned the charge of administrators but the villagers in different areas of J&K allege that hardly any Gram Sabhas (Deh Majlis meetings) are held.

A few months back, a local court in district Budgam directed holding a Gram Sabha to decide a case under the Forest Rights Act 2006 in panchayat halqas Branwar, Neegu and Jabbad of Block Surasyar District Budgam. However, the order is yet to be enforced on the ground.

The Court of ...