J&K OBC Commission conducts field visits to assess community
representation in local bodies
JAMMU, DECEMBER 09: The
Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission, chaired
by Justice (Retd.) Janak Raj Kotwal, along with members R.K. Bhagat, IAS
(Retd.) and Professor M.S. Bhadwal, has commenced field visits across rural and
urban local body areas to evaluate the challenges faced by Other Backward
Classes (OBCs) in local body elections.
As part of their outreach,
the Commission visited block Chenani in Udhampur district and block Billawar in
Kathua district. They engaged with members of the OBC community from various
panchayats within these blocks and surrounding areas.
During the interactions,
delegations representing the OBC community highlighted issues hindering their
representation in urban and rural local bodies. Concerns were raised regarding
the absence of a comprehensive OBC survey, with delegates stressing the need
for its immediate initiation, especially in light of the inclusion of
additional castes in 2024.
The Commission patiently
heard the grievances and views presented by the delegations, assuring them that
their concerns would be thoroughly examined and considered.