J&K Panchayat Elections Soon, Govt Completing Formalities: Javed Dar

March 25, 2026

Jammu and Kashmir: Panchayat elections will be held soon in Jammu and Kashmir as the government is finalizing the necessary formalities. Speaking to the media during his visit to North Kashmir on Tuesday, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Elections Minister Javed Dar clarified that the government has begun taking necessary steps to advance the election process and will hold elections as soon as all arrangements are complete.

Areas without grassroots representation for the first time
For the first time, Jammu and Kashmir is left without elected grassroots representation after the term of the District Development Council (DDC) expired in February 2026. Previously, the term of the Panchayats expired in 2023 and the term of the Block Development Council (BDC) expired in 2021. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, DDC elections were held in 2020, which the central government hailed as a major achievement in the democratic process. However, local body elections have been delayed since then.

Deliberations continue on reservations and other issues
Minister Javed Dar stated that discussions are underway on key issues such as reservations before the elections. He said, “The reservation issue is with us and is being discussed. Once the process is fully finalized, it will be implemented.” The government wants to ensure that all necessary legal and administrative aspects are clarified so that the election process can proceed smoothly.

 Reasons for the delay
The last Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2018, with the term ending in 2023. Meanwhile, BDC elections were held in October 2019. New elections were expected to be held in 2024, but were postponed due to various amendments and administrative reasons. The government has now indicated that pending procedures will be completed and elections will be held soon.

This move by the government is being seen as important in restoring grassroots democracy, which will accelerate development work at the local level.