Introspection of Panchayat Raj in Kashmir

Abstract

In recent period Local Governance and Panchayat Raj Institutions in particular have assumed greater significance under the contemporary development strategy wherein democratic decentralisation has emerged as a favourite word. Panchayat raj is as such considered to be an affluent reordering power equation, a tonic to the conscious strategy to share the power and complete the process of devolution in order to accelerate the pace of development in the rural India. In the context of Jammu and Kashmir these local governance institutions became the prey of conflict which was started during initial period of 90s. It was June 2011 when the elections of Halqa panchayat were conducted after three decades and the response of the electorate was remarkable to these elections. After these successful elections many elected representatives were decimated because they were supported the democratic setup of the country. These local bodies have lot of challenges in the State especially in the Valley due to political alienation and radicalisation of Kashmiri youth and lack of political will to empower them.

Keywords:Local governance, challenges of panchayat, Jammu and Kashmir radicalisation of youth.