By fiat, the Government of India overhauled the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. The amended law provides for:

• The establishment of Ward and Halqa Majlis. The Halqa Majlis, also known as Gram Sabha, has been empowered to, among other things, plan and manage minor water bodies and minor forest produce. 
• The establishment of Halqa Panchayats and Block Development Councils.  These have been empowered to “undertake measures for the implementation of development plans,” issue key permits for geology activity, mining activity, electrification, land conversion and other matters, issue birth, death, character, dependent and marriage certificates, issue ration cards, collect and compile household data, conduct surveys, assist in the recovery of loans by banks and government institutions, identify land for state-sanctioned industrial estates and assist in revenue-related functions.
• The establishment of District Development Councils and District Planning committees.  The establishment of District Development Councils is understood as the final step in sealing an always-constrained space for political activity in Indian-Administered Jammu and Kashmir.