WS/VP Desk
Srinagar, Oct 07: The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Jammu and Kashmir has refuted recent misinformation circulating on social media regarding changes to the eligibility criteria for Sarpanch positions.
A senior official at the J&K Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department informed The Web Story/The Varmul Post that no new notification has been released regarding adjustments to the eligibility criteria for Sarpanch roles.
The official emphasized the importance of relying solely on official sources for accurate information.
Meanwhile, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K, also addressed the issue on its official micro-blogging site, X, stating that it refutes false reports circulating on social media concerning changes in Sarpanch eligibility criteria. The department reiterated that no new notification has been issued and urged the public to consult official sources for accurate information.
Pertinently, A viral social media post alleged that the J&K government had issued a notification under “J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 under Section 6, 2022,” introducing new eligibility criteria for those aspiring to become Sarpanches. The post claimed that candidates would need to be permanent residents of J&K, be at least 25 years old, and have a minimum educational qualification of 12th pass, among other requirements.
