J&K Delimitation Commission promises fairness and transparency

Jammu and Kashmir: The Delimitation Commission visiting Jammu and Kashmir said that the entire exercise will be carried out in a fair, transparent, and judicious manner. The commission is preparing a final report on creating the assembly constituencies.

The three-member commission consists of Justice (Retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai (head), State Election Commissioner KK Sharma, and Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra.

In 2020, the Delimitation Commission was constituted to carry out the exercise based on the 2011 Census.

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said the Commission has been mandated to add seven more seats to the Union Territory, raising the total number of seats in Jammu and Kashmir to 90 from the previous 83. This is apart from 24 seats which have been reserved for areas of PoK and have to be kept vacant in the Assembly, reported The Indian Express.

Head of the Commission, Justice (Retired) Desai assured that the exercise is going to be transparent and by the letter of the law. When asked about PDP leaders not meeting with the Commission, he said that the three members of the Commission wished all to come. "What can we say about those who do not wish to participate?"

The commission told The Indian Express that it will prepare a draft using the inputs and demands placed by people. The draft will be posted in the public domain for comments before preparing the final report.

The Delimitation Commission has met around 290 groups over the past four days. The senior officials of the Union Territory administration are yet to have a meeting. The commission intends to seek their inputs and concerns regarding the delimitation of constituencies.

Sushil Chandra told the media that the opportunity to lodge their objection again on the draft will be given to the public at large. He pointed out that the purpose of the Commission's visit is to consider the views of all stakeholders. He added that things will not be finalised before the public has an opportunity to respond, said The Indian Express report.

Chandra added that he met with UT Chief Secretary and directed him to nominate a nodal officer of the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner to receive representations from the public and forward them to the Commission. "The commission will examine all the suggestions. We have come with an open mind." People can send their representations directly to the commission as well.