Srinagar, July 8 -- In a matter of concern the post of Jammu & Kashmir State Election Commissioner (SEC)-an authority responsible for overseeing local body elections-remains vacant for over two months now.
Official sources said that the position fell vacant on April 27 when former SEC, BR Sharma, completed his tenure upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 65 years.
According to the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the SEC is appointed for a term of five years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier. With Sharma's departure, the absence of a successor has effectively stalled preparatory work for conducting local polls.
The delay in appointment has sparked concerns about holding crucial Panchayat and municipal elect...