Jharkhand: Elections for 48 municipal bodies are expected soon. The triple test process is nearing completion. The commission chairman has been appointed. Elections are likely by December.
Jharkhand Election: The uncertainty surrounding the elections for 48 municipal bodies in Jharkhand, which has persisted for a long time, is now gradually clearing up. The pending triple test process regarding OBC reservation is now in its final stages, and with the appointment of the chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission, the election process is expected to gain momentum.
Triple Test was the Biggest Obstacle
As per the Supreme Court's directive, the 'triple test' process has been made mandatory to determine OBC reservation in municipal body elections. This process takes place in three stages, which assesses the social, educational, and political status of the OBCs. The elections were stalled in Jharkhand due to this process remaining incomplete. Now, with the appointment of the chairman and members of the State Backward Classes Commission, this process is expected to be completed. The commission has already conducted surveys in all districts and is preparing the report.
The Court Expressed Displeasure
In this matter, the Jharkhand High Court had bly reprimanded the state government. The court said that repeatedly postponing the elections under the pretext of the triple test process could amount to contempt of court. In the last hearing, the High Court had clearly instructed the government to conduct elections within four months. However, the government kept citing the incomplete triple test report.
Now, the chairman of the commission has been appointed and the process of preparing the report is underway. In such a situation, it is believed that the election notification may be issued soon, following the court's instructions.
1600 Crore Rupees of Grants Held Back
The non-conduct of municipal body elections in Jharkhand has also affected development works. The central government has withheld a grant of approximately 1600 crore rupees under the 15th Finance Commission. This amount will be released only when the state government conducts municipal body elections.
Recently, a team from the 16th Finance Commission visited the state and clearly stated that the outstanding payments would not be made until municipal body and panchayat elections are held. The team also said that if the elections are completed by December, the amount of the previous financial year will also be given to the state.
Political Activity Intensifies
The state's politics is also heating up regarding the municipal body elections. The Congress has demanded that the elections be conducted on a party basis, while the BJP has alleged that the state government is deliberately delaying the elections. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Sinha said that it is not possible to conduct elections until the appointment of a commissioner in the State Election Commission.
