Breaking news from Jammu: Retired IAS stalwart Shantmanu has been officially tapped by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to serve as Jammu and Kashmir’s State Election Commissioner. The announcement on Tuesday marks a pivotal step toward reviving local democracy in the Union Territory.
Detailed in a Raj Bhavan order, the appointment leverages Section 36(3) of the 1989 Panchayati Raj Act. Shantmanu steps in with a tenure capped at five years or age 70, effective upon assuming duties. The government will soon outline his compensation and operational guidelines.
Fresh from retirement as the territory’s Financial Commissioner on December 31, 2025, Shantmanu replaces BR Sharma, whose departure last year had left the position open. His vast experience positions him ideally to oversee upcoming polls.
The urgency stems from expired panchayat terms—elected in 2018, nearly 30,000 leaders from thousands of villages demitted office in January 2024, halting local bodies and budgets. New elections, eyed for year-end, promise to fill this void swiftly.
Looking ahead, DDCs face term-end in February 2026, setting the stage for back-to-back electoral activities. Shantmanu’s leadership ensures fairness and efficiency, bolstering public trust in the democratic process.
As Jammu and Kashmir navigates its path under central oversight, this move reaffirms priorities on decentralized governance and electoral integrity.