Jammu and Kashmir's election commission has taken a significant step towards empowering women in the Union Territory by reserving 358 seats for them in the upcoming municipal and Urban Local Body (ULB) polls. Across 77 municipal bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, these reserved seats aim to promote women's participation in local governance.
In the Srinagar district alone, 25 out of 74 wards in the Srinagar Municipal Corporation will be reserved for women, demonstrating a commitment to gender equality and representation in decision-making. The Jammu Municipal Corporation will also have reservations, with 25 wards allocated for women, along with 10 for Scheduled Castes and two for Scheduled Tribes.
This move has been warmly received by women in Jammu and Kashmir, who see it as a significant step toward empowerment and better representation in the Union Territory's politics. Hina Bhat, Vice Chairperson of J&K Khadi & Village Industries Board, emphasized the role women have played in the region's politics and the importance of this quota. She stated that it's not just about women's empowerment but also about recognizing the contributions of women to society.
The decision has also garnered support from various political parties in the region. Rashida, a BJP leader, praised the reservation, highlighting its potential benefits for women's rights and societal improvements. She emphasized that women can often achieve better results and have a deeper understanding of issues.
However, not all political parties are in full agreement. The PDP has criticized the move, suggesting that it represents old ideas packaged as something new. They argue that the BJP government has withdrawn laws that were originally designed to enhance women's security and empowerment.
Despite differing opinions, preparations for the municipal polls in Jammu and Kashmir are already underway. These elections are expected to take place in October-November of this year. The reservations for women reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in the region's governance, allowing women to take a more active role in shaping their communities.
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