Why are there no local body representatives in Jammu and Kashmir since January 9, 2021

• The absence of local body representatives in Jammu and Kashmir since January 9, 2021, is due to the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly by the President of India.
• On August 5, 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status. As a result, the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Since the reorganization, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been under the direct control of the central government.
• The dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly meant that the elected representatives at the local body level also lost their positions.
• Due to security concerns and the need for administrative restructuring, fresh elections for the local body representatives have not been conducted.

The absence of local body representatives can have implications on the governance and representation of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. The lack of elected local representatives deprives the citizens of a voice at the grassroots level. It hampers their ability to address local issues and channel their concerns to the government. The absence of local representatives also hinders the implementation of welfare schemes and development projects, as elected representatives play a crucial role in decision-making and allocation of resources. It is essential to conduct timely elections to ensure effective governance and representation in Jammu and Kashmir.