A high-level selection committee headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to meet later this month to finalise its recommendation for the appointment of the State Election Commissioner (SEC), sources said.
The panel includes Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, senior cabinet minister Sakina Itoo, and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar. According to sources, the meeting is likely to be convened anytime after January 20.
Under Section 36(3) of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor based on the recommendation of the Chief Minister-led selection committee. However, during periods of President’s Rule, the appointment is made directly by the Lieutenant Governor under Section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.
