Jammu, 18 February (H.S.):Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today informed the House that the government of Jammu and Kashmir has frozen the boundaries of all administrative units across the Union Territory until completion of the Census 2021.
Replying to a question raised by Legislator Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi) in the House, the Minister stated that the government vide S.O. 53 of 2025 dated 27.02.2025, issued by the Planning and Monitoring Department, has ordered freezing of boundaries of Districts, Tehsils, Municipalities, Towns, Revenue Villages and other administrative units across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with effect from 01.07.2025 till the completion of Census 2021.
The Minister further informed that as per Section 2 (J) of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, delimitation of Panchayat Halqas is based strictly on population figures. Any exercise regarding delimitation or rationalization of Panchayat Halqas can only be undertaken after the completion Census 2021, he added. He reiterated that the government is committed towards fairness and distribution of resources based on justice and equity.
The Minister said that the government is serious about development of Panchayat Halqas and their rationalization with Community Development (CD) Blocks on the basis of proximity, geographical considerations and access of the public to government institutions and services.
Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture Production department, Javid Ahmad Dar informed the House that around 1200 gazetted and non-gazetted posts in the department have been referred to Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) for timely filling up of vacancies.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Gulabgarh Khurshied Ahmed, the Minister stated that 17 Veterinary Centres and 21 Sheep Extension Centres are presently functional in the Gulabgarh Constituency. He added that among these, two centres are being managed through internal arrangements to ensure uninterrupted veterinary services to the livestock breeders. He said that these centres collectively cater to the healthcare needs of the livestock population in the constituency.
The Minister further informed the House that there is presently no proposal to establish new Veterinary or Sheep Extension Centres in Gulabgarh Constituency or elsewhere in the Union Territory. He explained that establishment of new centres is considered based on several parameters like livestock population, geographical conditions (hilly, plain, or isolated areas), distance from existing centres and techno-feasibility reports submitted. He added that the proposals are processed further only if they meet feasibility criteria and availability of resources.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
