In Jammu and Kashmir, Panchayati elections will be held in December to involve the people at grass root level in policy formulation and implementation for their development. This was disclosed at a high level meeting convened under the chairmanship of Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar in Srinagar. The Minister impressed upon the concerned parties to speed up the preparation process, so that these elections can be held smoothly within the shortest possible time. Mr. Sagar said that holding elections would help to secure additional funds from the Centre which would go a long way in alleviating poverty and improving the socio-economic conditions of the people of rural areas in the State.