No statehood, no elections: Is Jammu and Kashmir stuck in a governance freeze? Congress asks

Srinagar: In Jammu, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Sunday expressed concern over the continued delay in restoring full statehood to the Union Territory. The party said the absence of a fully empowered elected government is affecting administrative efficiency, accountability and timely decision-making.

Why statehood restoration is delayed

Jammu and Kashmir has been under Union Territory administration since its reorganisation, with full statehood yet to be restored. The Centre has linked the process to broader conditions such as security stability, institutional preparedness and political consensus.

The Congress, however, said the prolonged interim arrangement has created a governance gap, weakening local accountability and slowing down the resolution of public issues.

Delay in local body elections adds to governance gap

The party also raised concern over the delay in elections to panchayats, urban local bodies and other grassroots institutions. It said the absence of elected representatives at the local level has affected development planning and execution.

Congress leaders said Panchayati Raj institutions are essential for identifying local needs, monitoring schemes and ensuring last-mile service delivery, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Impact on public services and administration

Congress working president Raman Bhalla, addressing a meeting under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan in Khour, said several civic issues are not receiving adequate attention due to administrative constraints.

He pointed to irregular water supply, unscheduled power cuts and infrastructure gaps as major concerns affecting residents across urban and rural areas.

The party also highlighted shortages of staff in schools, colleges, hospitals and other government departments. It said vacancies in teaching, healthcare and administrative services are impacting education and health systems in the region.

Employment and workers’ regularisation issue

The Congress raised concerns over unemployment and the status of daily wagers, casual labourers and contractual employees. It demanded a time-bound policy for regularisation, saying long-serving workers deserve job security and financial dignity.

Congress leaders said they will continue to demand restoration of statehood, revival of Panchayati Raj institutions and timely local body elections in Jammu and Kashmir. They also called for stronger employment measures and improved civic infrastructure to address public concerns.

(With PTI inputs)