MCC lifted in J&K: Pending projects to resume as funds set to be released

JAMMU: Following the announcement of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results, the Election Commission of India (ECI) today declared that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is no longer in effect in the Union Territory.

As per the order No. 37/6/1/INST/ECI/FUNCT/MCC/2024 issued on October 10, the ECI stated, “Now that the results for the Assembly elections in J&K and Haryana have been declared, the MCC has ceased to be in operation with immediate effect.”

With the MCC lifted, pending government orders will now be executed, and funds for various developmental works, previously stalled due to the code, will be released. This marks a significant boost for infrastructure projects that had slowed to a halt across Jammu and Kashmir.

A senior official from the Tourism Department confirmed that many development projects, particularly those under the Smart City initiative in Jammu and Srinagar, were severely impacted by the non-release of funds during the MCC period. “Only minimal work on ongoing projects continued, while new projects could not commence,” the official noted. Contractors had not been paid for ongoing projects, further delaying progress.

The MCC had been enforced in J&K from August 16, following the ECI’s announcement of the Assembly elections. Now, with its removal, officials are optimistic that a “free flow of funds” will soon resume, allowing for the swift completion of critical infrastructure projects. (RK)