Administrative Boundaries Frozen Across J&K Till Completion of Census: Javid Dar
Jammu, Feb 18, KNT: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the government has frozen the boundaries of all administrative units across Jammu and Kashmir until completion of the Census 2021.
Replying to a question raised by Legislator Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi), the Minister said that vide S.O. 53 of 2025 dated February 27, 2025, issued by the Planning and Monitoring Department, the government has ordered freezing of boundaries of districts, tehsils, municipalities, towns, revenue villages and other administrative units across the Union Territory with effect from July 1, 2025 till completion of the Census process.
He further stated that under Section 2 (J) of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, delimitation of Panchayat Halqas is strictly population-based. Any exercise regarding delimitation or rationalization can only be undertaken after completion of the Census 2021. He reiterated the government’s commitment towards equitable distribution of resources based on justice and fairness.
The Minister added that the government is focused on rationalization of Panchayat Halqas with Community Development Blocks keeping in view proximity, geographical factors and public access to institutions and services.
Meanwhile, replying to a separate question by MLA Gulabgarh Khurshied Ahmed, Dar, who also holds the Agriculture Production portfolio, informed the House that around 1200 gazetted and non-gazetted posts in the department have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission and the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board for timely filling of vacancies.
He said 17 Veterinary Centres and 21 Sheep Extension Centres are currently functional in Gulabgarh constituency, with two centres being managed through internal arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services. There is presently no proposal to establish new Veterinary or Sheep Extension Centres either in Gulabgarh or elsewhere in the Union Territory, he added, stating that new establishments are considered based on livestock population, geography, distance from existing centres and techno-feasibility.
Highlighting support to migratory livestock breeders, the Minister said the department organizes summer camps at highland pastures including Dudhwan in Warwan, Kousarnag in Kulgam, Thatbal in Gulabgarh, Chandrani in Ramban and Nikan in Mangnar area of Gulabgarh to provide essential veterinary services during the grazing season.
Responding to supplementary queries, the Minister assured the House that adequate staff arrangements are made during migration periods and that genuine issues raised would be addressed in a timely manner. [KNT]
