278 elected DDC members including 110 of PAGD pledge to bear true faith, allegiance to Constitution of India

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Enthusiasm ran high among the 278 newly elected Members to the District Development Councils in Jammu and Kashmir when they turned up for oath taking ceremonies held across the Union Territory. Majority of the members are affiliated to People’s Alliance for Gupkar Delegation (PAGD), which is taking high moral grandstanding about ‘the people of the erstwhile state’ having ‘rejected’ the political developments of August 5, 2019-abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 and Article 35A.

The PAGD Members came along with supporters in ‘traditional attire’ and took oath in the name of Constitution of India, which doesn’t have any special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah of National Conference, Mehbooba Mufti of Peoples Democratic Party and Sajjad Lone of Peoples’ Conference, among others, have on record hailed the election of the alliance candidates. They have, in fact, stepped up the momentum for restoration of the special status of J&K, citing victory of their candidates, but political analysts observed that it will be interesting to watch as to what explanation they will offer for their members taking oath in the name of Constitution of India, which has no provision of special status under Article 370 besides Article 35A.

Pregnant member takes oath at her home in Harwan

Ahmed Ali Fayyaz
There were scenes of jubilation, celebration and enthusiasm at every swearing-in ceremony across Jammu and Kashmir as a large number of the elected DDC members, including a fairly good number of the females-almost all new, unfamiliar faces-took the oath of office. Most of them took oath in Urdu but quite a number also in English, Hindi and Dogri languages.
Significantly those taking oath of loyalty to the Constitution of India, as per the amended Panchayati Raj Act, included 110 members of the four constituents of the Kashmir-based Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), headed by the National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah, who have not accepted abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A and bifurcation of the erstwhile State into the two UTs of J&K and Ladakh. These parties have been demanding restoration of the Statehood, including J&K’s own Constitution and the flag, as also the reinstatement of erstwhile State’s special status.
Remarkably the PAGD and its slogans have been restricted to only parts of the Kashmir valley as all the regional and national parties have contested the DDC elections independently and against one another in the Jammu province.
In an interesting development, DC Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary drove all the way to the capital city outskirts of Harwan to administer oath to a pregnant DDC member at her home. Around the end of her third trimester, Rizwana Akhtar was unable to drive to the Tagore Hall in Srinagar where 13 other DDC members were administered the oath by DC Srinagar.
Almost all the district officers attended the swearing-in ceremonies at their respective district headquarters amid fanfare and enthusiasm, notwithstanding the thick of severe winter season in Kashmir and snowfall in some areas of the Chenab valley in Jammu division. With this the election process has been completed for the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir.
While the interim elections were simultaneously held for over 12,000 vacancies of Panches and Sarpanches in November-December 2020, main Panchayat elections were held in October-December 2018. The elections for the middle tier of Block Development Councils were held in November 2019. It was a universal adult franchise for the first and the third tier while only the elected Panches and Sarpanches had the right to vote for the second tier.
Officials said that Chairpersons for the DDCs would be elected at the first meeting of the councils from among the elected 14 members. As of now, BDC chairpersons-15 to 20 in each district-are also designated members of DDCs but they have not the right to vote. Besides, all the elected MLAs, as and when the Assembly elections would be held, would also become members of DDCs. Chairpersons and members of four different committees in DDCs would be picked up from among the DDC members and district officers.
However, as per an amendment to the Act, the Lok Sabha member of a district would be automatically designated as the Chairperson of the DDC’s most powerful Planning Committee.

Though the BJP emerged as single largest party with 75 Members, NC bagged 67 seats, PDP 27, JKPC 8, CPI (M) 5, Independents 50, Congress 26, JKAP12, JKPM 3, JKNPP-2, PDF 2 and BSP 1 seat,

The results of the two constituencies in Kupwara and Bandipora districts are still pending for want of a legal clarification as the two female contestants in the fray are residents of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-both married to the Kashmiri terrorists, who had gone to Pakistan illegally for getting training in guerrilla warfare but have eschewed violence and returned under the Omar Abdullah government’s policy of rehabilitation for the surrendered terrorists.

Oath taking ceremonies were held at the district headquarters across the Union Territory.
According to official spokesperson, the elected members of maiden District Development Council (DDC) elections held in the history of Jammu and Kashmir were on Monday administered oath by respective district heads across all the districts of Kashmir division.
On the occasion, 138 DDC members representing 138 Block Constituencies of 10 districts of the division swore in the name of God and pledged to bear true faith and allegiance to the constitution of India and also uphold the Sovereignty of India.
At Srinagar: The District Development Commissioner (DDC), Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, today administered oath to the recently elected members of District Development Council (DDC) of Srinagar, who registered their victory in the first DDC election held in Jammu & Kashmir.
While taking the oath, DDC members swore in the name of God and pledged to bear true faith and allegiance to the constitution of India and solemnly uphold Sovereignty of the country.
While talking to the media, Dr Shahid said that with the completion of the oath ceremony of DDC members, the process to implement three tier Panchayati Raj Act has been fully implemented. He said that DDC members will be imparted necessary training about the implementation of rules and regulations besides they will be made aware about the powers delegated to them under the Constitution.
Regarding election of DDC chairman, Dr Shahid Iqbal said that the process for the election of DDC chairman will be held shortly and the notice for the same will be issued soon.
He said the purpose of the decentralization of powers is to bring governance at the doorsteps of people, adding that elected representatives will work on developmental front to facilitate people in resolving various issues of development and progress.
Dr Shahid said that district offices will extend all possible assistance to the Members in addressing the grievances and fulfilling the developmental needs of the people. This, he said, will increase the public participation in decision making regarding all developmental scenario.
Among others, PRI representatives, senior officers of Revenue and other line Departments were present on the occasion.
At Budgam: The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza administered oath to newly elected 14 DDC members representing 14 Block Constituencies of Budgam during an impressive function organized at Sheikh Ul Alam Hall here.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam, A A Nagpure was also present during the oath ceremony.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Dr Nasir Ahmad who was also the Nodal Officer elections presented the vote of thanks on behalf of District Administration.

He on the occasion appealed to the newly elected DDC members to ensure that the responsibilities and the trust reposed by the public on them is upheld by way of delivering with sincere endeavor and desire at the grass roots level.
The ADC also hailed the efforts and desire of all concerned officers and officials for ensuring conclusion of the whole process with success and transparency. He said with the sincere efforts of all concerned stakeholders, the administration was able to mitigate all urgencies confidently and satisfactorily.
Among others, the event was also attended by Sarpanchs/Panchs /Municipal councilors besides all district and sectoral officers.
At Ganderbal: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal administered oath to 14 newly elected District Development Council (DDC) members during a grand swearing-in ceremony at Mini Secretariat here.
After administering the oath, the DC extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected DDC members.
Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Farooq Ahmad Baba, President Municipal Council Ganderbal, Advocate Altaf Ahmad, BDC chairpersons, SDM Kangan, District Officers, officials of police department and other functionaries of district administration were present on the occasion.
At Pulwama: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr Raghav Langer administered oath to recently elected 14 District Development Council (DDC) members at DC office here.
On the occasion, the DC congratulated the newly elected members of District Development Council and said that the DDC election is a way towards de-centralization and strengthening the grass roots level democracy.
He said the role of DDCs and Panchayats is to make villages vibrant and progressive adding that the district administration is committed to provide all support to the DDCs. He further added that the representatives and administration has to work in synergy for the benefit of people.
Meanwhile an interactive session was also held between the officers and DDC members during which brief introduction and sharing of contact numbers took place.
Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tral, Awantipora, Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner Development were present on the occasion.
In a separate function, the Assistant Commissioner Development, Pulwama administered oath to the newly elected panches and sarpanches in presence of the District Development Commissioner Dr Raghav Langer.
At Anantnag: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, K.K.Sidha administered oath to 14 recently elected District Development Council (DDC) members at Town Hall here.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC congratulated the DDC members and assured them full support adding that together we can lead the district to new heights.
He said people have high hopes on democracy and democratic institutions, and it is now the responsibility of these elected members to project developmental and welfare issues of the public irrespective of any religion or region.
The DC said that the third tier of Panchayat Raj has been formulated formally now which can provide better governance at grassroots level.
Among others, SSP Anantnag, ADCs, Chairman MC, district and sectoral Officers were present on the occasion.
At Baramulla: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla Dr. G. N. Itoo administered oath to the recently elected 14 members of District Development Councils of the district at Dak Bungalow here.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC congratulated the elected DDC members and expressed hope that the elected members shall work for the betterment of the society in their respective areas.
He emphasized upon them to work with zeal and enthusiasm and assured every type of possible assistance from the district administration. He also urged upon the concerned stakeholders to educate people about various developmental and welfare schemes so that the people can avail the benefits of such schemes and programmes.
Among others, SSP Baramulla, Additional District Development Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Revenue and District Panchayat Officer besides, President MCB, BDC Chairpersons, were present on the occasion.
At Bandipora: District Panchayat Election Officer (DPEO) Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad administered oath and affirmation of allegiance to the newly elected 13 members of District Development Council of the district at Conference Hall Mini Secretariat here.
On the occasion, the DPEO congratulated the newly elected DDC members and urged upon them to meet the expectations of people. He exhorted upon them to take development scenario to new heights in the district and work in tandem for the betterment of people.
He asked them to help the administration in further strengthening the democratic set up at grass route level so that inclusive development of the rural areas can be ensured.
He told them that district administration is committed to take all the steps possible to ensure the proper development of the rural pockets so that all the basic amenities can be provided to the rural population.
Among others, the ceremony Senior Superintendent of Police Rahul Malik, Additional District Development Commissioner Afsar Ali Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, District Panchayat Officer, and District Information Officer besides former legislators Ghulam Rasool Naz, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat and Usman Majid, Chairman of Municipal Committees Bandipora, Sumbal and Hajin, BDC Chairpersons, Sarpanches, civil society members were present in the event.
At Kupwara: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Anshul Garg administered oath to 13 newly elected District Development Council (DDC) members at Town Hall here.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC congratulated the DDC members and assured them full support adding that together we can lead the district to new heights.
He said people have high hopes on democracy and democratic institutions and it is now the responsibility of these elected members to project developmental and welfare issues of the public irrespective of any religion or region.
The DC said that the third tier of Panchayat Raj has been formulated formally now which can provide better governance at grassroots level.
Later, ADDC Kupwara, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat familiarised the newly elected DDC members about their duties in view of Panchayati Raj Act and other relevant laws.
Among others, SSP, Ram Ambarkar, ADC, Nazir Ahmad Lone, SDM Lolab, District Panchayat Officer Kupwara and other district and sectoral officers were present on the occasion.
At Shopian: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Choudhary Mohammad Yasin, administered oath to 14 recently elected District Development Council (DDC) members at District Administrative Complex here.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC congratulated the DDC members and assured them full support from District Administration. He said people have pinned hope on democracy and democratic institutions and it is now the responsibility of these elected members to project developmental and welfare issues of the public irrespective of any religion or region.
The DC said that the third tier of Panchayat Raj has been formulated formally now which can provide better governance at grassroots level.
Among others, SSP, Shopian, Amritpal Singh, ACR, Shopian, SDM Zainapora, District Panchayat Officer, District and Sectoral Officers were present on the occasion.
At Kulgam: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Showkat Aijaz Bhat administered oath to the newly elected 14 District Development Council (DDC) members representing 14 DDC constituencies at Conference Hall Mini-Secretariat here.
On the occasion, the DC congratulated the elected members and urged them to meet the expectations of people by taking the development scenario to new heights in the district.
The DC apprised the DDC members of their duties and role and also assured full support from district administration at all levels.
Among others, Senior Superintendent of Police, Gurinder Paul Singh, Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, District Panchayat Officer and Assistant Commissioner Revenue besides PRI members and a general were present on the occasion.
Later an interactive meeting of these DDC members with district administration was held.
The swearing in ceremony of newly elected District Development Council members was also held across Jammu Division marking the establishment of three-tier Panchayati Raj System in this part of Jammu and Kashmir Union territory.
The oath ceremony was held at all district headquarters swearing-in elected 14 members of the District Development Council.
At Jammu: Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sushma Chauhan on Monday administered oath to newly elected District Development Council (DDC) member at an impressive function held here at Teachers Bhawan, Gandhi Nagar here.
Four candidates took oath in Dogri language, 6 in Hindi, 3 in English and 1 in Punjabi.
Jammu has elected 5 women members including – a young woman Surekha Devi, 29, from Arnia.
The venue wore a festive look with an aura of jubilation among the elected members and the accompanying family members, friends as well as supporters.
Most of the members including the women were dressed in traditional attire including ‘pagdi’ for attending the ceremony.
The hall reverberated with slogans chanted by the supporters of the members.
All the candidates, while talking to media, promised to work for development of their areas with utmost transparency and serving people with a sense of great dedication and passion.
At Kathua: District Development Commissioner, Om Parkash (Deputy Commissioner, Kathua) administered oath to the newly elected members of DDCs and ULBs.
The elected members who took oath included Reeta Devi, 01-Bani DDC constituency; Sushma Devi, 02-Barnoti; Mahan Singh, 03-Basohli; Bikram Singh, 04-Billawar; Rimmy Charak, 05-Dinga Amb; Abhinandan Sharma, 06-Hiranagar; Raghunandan Singh, 07-Kathua; Kumari Shaveta, 08-Keerian Gandyal; Kishor Kumar, 09-Lohai Malhar; Tajinder Singh,10-Mahanpur; Neeru Bala, 11-Mandli; Karan Kumar, 12-Marheen; Sandeep Majotra, 13-Nagri Parole and Narain Dutt, 14-Nagrota Gujroo DDC Constituency.
The DDC Kathua also administered oath to Anirudh Sharma, who was elected as member of Kathua Municipal Council from ward no 7 constituency.
President Kathua Municipal Council, Naresh Sharma, ASP Kathua Ramnish Gupta, ADC Atul Gupta, ACR Davinder Paul, Dy DEO Narayan Dutt, Tehsildar HQ Suninderjeet Kaur and others concerned were present.
At Rajouri: All the fourteen members elected to the District Development council of Rajouri took oath here at a grand swearing-in ceremony organised by the District Administration Rajouri.
The members to the DDC were administered the oath by the District Development Commissioner, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh.
The members sworn-in were Abdul Rashid, (DDC Rajouri); Abdul Qayoom Mir (DDC Thanamandi); Naseem Liyaqat (DDC Budhal Old-B); Iqbal Malik (DDC Darhal); Rameshwar Singh (DDC Dhangri); Shamim Akhter (DDC Mougla); Nasreen Akhtar (DDC Budhal New); Sangeeta Sharma (DDC Seri); Manohar Singh (DDC Nowshera); Shabir Khan (DDC Manjakote); Anita Thakur (DDC Kalakote); Khalid Hussain (DDC Doongi); Shazia Kouser (DDC Budhal Old-A) and Rajinder Sharma (DDC Sunderbani).
District Development Commissioner Rajouri congratulated the elected members and hoped that they would come up to the expectations of the people.
President MCs, BDC Chairpersons, prominent citizens and a large number of locals participated in the event.
At Udhampur: The elected District Development Council members of District Udhampur took oath of office in a ceremony organized by District Administration under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Dr. Piyush Singla here.
The oath was administered by District Panchayat Election Officer Udhampur Dr Piyush Singla along with other district Officers who witnesses the oath ceremony on the occasion.
Those who took oath were Usha Devi, DDC constituency Chenani; Ashri Devi DDC constituency Dudu- Basantgarh; Rakesh Chander DDC Constituency Ghordi; Prikshit Singh DDC Constituency Jaganoo; Juhi Manhas DDC Constituency Khoon; Pinky Devi DDC Constituency Latti-Marothi; Amit Sharma DDC Constituency Majalta; Subash Chander DDC Constituency Narsoo; Jasvir Singh, DDC Constituency Panchari; Mool Raj DDC Constituency Ramnagar-I; Jattu Ram DDC Constituency Ramnagar-II; Ashu Sharma DDC Constituency Tikri; Puran Chand DDC Constituency, Udhampur-I and Lal Chand, DDC Constituency Udhampur-II.
While speaking on the occasion, the DPEO congratulated the newly elected DDC members and hoped that developmental process on grassroots level will get a boost with the establishment of 3rd tier of PRIs.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Sargun Shukla; Additional District Development Commissioner, Ashok Kumar; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mohd Syed Khan; Chief Planning Officer, Rajeev Bhushan and others were also present on the occasion.
At Doda: District Development Commissioner, Doda Dr Sagar D Doifode administered oath to the 14 newly elected members here at a grand ceremony.
The oath ceremony was attended by BDC Chairperson’s, representatives of the ULB, besides huge gathering of locals and media persons.
The DDC wished the elected members good luck and congratulated them for being a part of the history, by winning the maiden elections held for the district for the establishment of the District Development Council.
Among others present were ADDC Doda, SP Bhaderwah, SP operations Doda, ADC Bhaderwah, GM DIC,ACD Doda, SDM’S, District Officers, besides the BDO’S were also present.
At Samba: Deputy Commissioner, Rohit Khajuria administered oath to the newly elected District Development Council members of Samba here at administrative conference hall.
The 14 members elected from 09 blocks of the district took oath the in Dogri, Hindi, English, Urdu and Sanskrit.
The elected members sworn-in were Asha Rani constituency 01-Bari Brahmana; Sureiya Begum Constituency 02- Bari Brahmana; Suresh Kumar constituency GHAGWAL; Kartar Chand, Nud; Avtar Singh, Purmandal; Asha Rani, Rajpura; Keshav Dutt, Ramgarh-A; Sarbjit Singh, Ramgarh-B; Anita Choudhary, Ramgarh-C; Romesh Chander Samba-A; Subhash Chander , Samba-B; Balwan Singh, Sumb; Sudershan, Singh Vijaypur -A and Shelpa Dubey Vijaypur-B.
During ceremony assistant commissioner revenue Jitender Mishra, Dy. District Election Officer Rajeev Magotra, District Information Officer Ajay Sharma besides other locals were also present.
At Kishtwar: District Administration Kishtwar, headed by District Development Commissioner, Ashok Sharma in collaboration Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj organised the oath ceremony to swear-in 14 newly elected District Development Councils members, including 5 women, here at Conference Hall DC office Complex.
The oath was administered by DDC Kishtwar Ashok Kumar in presence of a huge gathering.
The DDC congratulated all the newly elected members and sought their cooperation for the development of the district.
At Ramban: Deputy Commissioner (DC), Ramban, Nazim Zai Khan administered the oath to the fourteen Councilors of District Development Council (DDC), here at an impressive function.
Oath was taken by the Rabia Hamid, Banihal -A; Imtiyaz Ahmed Khanday, Banihal -B; Jagvir Dass, Batote; Shamim Akhter, Gandhri; Sakhi Mohd, Gool; Gulshan Parveen, Khari; Mohammad Shafi, Rajgarh; Rakesh Singh, Ramban-A; Renuka Katoch, Ramban-B; Bashir Ahmed Naik, Ramsoo-A; Fayaz Ahmed Naik, Ramsoo-B; Shamshad Bano Sangaldan; Bashir Ahmed Runyal, Ukhral-A and Balbir Singh Bali, Ukhral-B.
The DC congratulated the DDC members and hoped that the District Development Council would play a pivotal role in the overall development of district Ramban.
He assured full cooperation to the council members from district administration to boost grassroots democracy, besides functioning of DDC and other PRIs to effectively implement the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in the district.
At Reasi: All the fourteen members elected to the District Development council Reasi took oath here at a grand swearing-in ceremony organised by the District Administration Reasi.
District Development Commissioner, Indu Kanwal Chib administered oath to the DDC members.
The members worn in on the occasion were Raj Kumari (Arnas); Saraf Singh (Bhomag); Yasmeen(Chassana); Ghulam Ali Malik (Chassana -A); Sajra Qadir(Gulabgarh); Abdul Rashid(Jij Bhagli); Nirmla Devi (Katra); Abdul Gani( Mahore); Mohd Israil (Mahore-A); Rajinder Kumar(Panthal); Reeta Sharma(Pouni); Kewal Krishan (Pouni-A); Jagjeevan Lal( Reasi) and Ajay Ahmed Khan (Thuroo).
The District Development Commissioner, while speaking on the occasion, congratulated all the elected members to the District Development Council. She said that people were pinning high hopes from the democracy and democratic institutions and it is their responsibility to project developmental and welfare issues of the public.
She said it is the dawn of New Year and a step towards the strengthening of the grassroots level democracy.