J-K Panchayat polls: Security deposit for candidates slashed

Ahead of the Panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration Saturday slashed the security deposit for candidates contesting the nine-phased elections beginning next month.

An official spokesman said the governor's administration amended the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Rules 1996, drastically slashing the security deposit for candidates contesting the Panchayat polls.

He said according to a notification issued by the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, the security deposit for the candidates contesting sarpanch/panch election has been reduced from Rs 1000 to Rs 100.

Similarly, for SC, ST and women candidates, the security deposit has been slashed from Rs 500 to Rs 50, the spokesman said.

He said it was a long-pending demand of the aspiring candidates for sarpanch/panch elections and would ensure greater participation in elections to promote a vibrant Panchayati Raj system.

The Panchayat polls will begin on November 17 and end on December 11.