J&K Panchayti Raj Act 1989

J&K PANCHAYATI RAJ ACT 1989:
73rd Amendment Act of Indian Constitution related to Panchayti Raj System is not applicable to state of J&K. The Panchayats in J&K are still based on the J&K Panchayati Raj Act 1989. The act provides a three tier structure of Panchayati Raj System in J&K consisting of Halqa Panchayats, Block Development Councils and District Development Boards at village, block and district levels respectively. Gram (village) Panchayat is known as Halqa Panchayat to be established in every village (Halqa). Every Halqa Panchayat shall have Halqa Majlis (Gram Sabha) comprising of all the persons whose names are included in the electoral roll for such Halqa Panchayat. It is further provided that the Sarpanch shall convene at least two meetings of Halqa Majlis during a financial year. Every Halqa Panchayat shall consist of Paanches not less than seven and not more than eleven including the Sarpanch. The Sarpanch shall be elected directly by the electorate (Halqa Majlis) of Halqa Panchayat and the Paanches shall be elected from the Mohallas (Wards) of Halqa Panchayat. The Sarpanch, the Naib Sarpanch and every Paanch of the Halqa Panchayat shall hold the office for a period of five years. Besides, the Village Level Worker or Multi Purpose Worker or Gram Savika shall be the Secretary of the Halqa Panchayat. There shall also be a Panchayat Advisory Committee comprising such members as may be prescribed by law. The act also provides for the reservation of seats in favour the Schedule Castes; and the Schedule Tribes.

Qualifications for Membership A person shall be qualified to be a member of Halqa Panchayat if he:

• is a permanent resident of the state;
• is not in the employment of the Government or any other local body;
• is of and more than twenty-five years of age;
• is of sound mind or does not an insolvent declared by a competent authority;
• is not a salaried servant of a Halqa Panchayat;
• is a not the Lambardar or Village Chowkidar;