Slew of sops, more jobs await J&K

New Delhi: Assembly elections to the newly created Jammu & Kashmir Union Territories, which will formally come into existence from October 31, will in all probability be held in 2021.

The Centre, officials added, was very keen that people in the Valley must see for themselves as to how revocation of Article 370 has led to more overall growth and development of the region and thus the decision was in the in their long term interest.

Thus, there could be a slew of announcements coming in the days ahead related to infrastructure projects, particularly on construction of roads and state highways, education, basic health care, industry, communication and a major push for tourism with private investment. Though a decision has already been taken to fill 50,000 vacancies in the J&K administration and paramilitary forces in the next few days, government plans to more than double this number before the J&K UT goes to polls.

The period from October 31, when the new UT will come into existence till summer of 2021, would also provide the Election Commission sufficient time to conduct a detailed delimitation exercise for the new 90-member Assembly. Also, summer elections will ensure a larger voter turnout in the Valley as compared to winter season.

“We are working according to a plan for J&K and the seriousness of the government can be judged from the fact that the schedule related to overall growth in the Valley would be implemented within fixed deadline. So we are very hopeful that people in J&K will be able to get a new elected government in summer of 2021,’’ the official added.