Panchayat by-elections: Div com (J) reviews arrangements in distts

Jammu: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma, Wednesday chaired a video conference meeting with Deputy Commissioners of the Division to discuss the arrangements for Panchayat by-elections for vacant seats.
The meeting was attended by Director Rural Development Department, Sudarshan Kumar and other concerned officers, while Deputy Commissioners of Jammu Division along with concerned officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Threadbare discussion was held on various aspects and putting in place all necessary arrangements for smooth conduct of election. The DCs apprised the Div Com about the number of vacant Panchayat seats in their respective districts and the requirements for smooth conduct of elections.
It was informed in the meeting that total 501 seats are lying vacant in Jammu division after elections of BDCs including 154 Sarpanches and 347 Panches.
It was further informed that total 121 Panchayat seats are lying vacant in District Kishtwar, 44 in Doda, 52 in Ramban, 27 in Reasi, 34 in Udhampur including 1 post of BDC, 50 in Kathua, 28 in Samba, 58 in Jammu, 42 in Rajouri and 45 in Poonch district.
The Div Com asked the DCs for early submission of details regarding the number of vacant seats, number of Polling stations and share requirements for security forces and other issues. He also asked the Director RDD to establish contact and coordinate with District Administrations for smooth conduct of elections.