Srinagar, Sept. 18 -- The Jammu & Kashmir government has begun the process to appoint a new State Election Commissioner (SEC), the authority responsible for overseeing Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies in the Union Territory.

The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has submitted the matter to the Chief Minister's Office to initiate the selection process.

As per the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, the SEC is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of a committee headed by the Chief Minister. Other members of the panel include a senior minister nominated by the Chief Minister, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Minister in charge of Panchayats, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Le...