Himachal cabinet's last-minute Panchayat reorganisation move sparks concerns over December polls

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): Following the recent decision of the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, the Panchayati Raj Department has expedited the process of reorganizing panchayats across the state. In this regard, the department has sent a letter to all Deputy Commissioners, instructing them to submit proposals for panchayat reorganization to the Directorate within 15 days.

Last year, the department invited reorganization proposals from panchayats, most of which were submitted to the government. This process was completed in many areas. At that time, it was discovered that the boundaries of some panchayats spanned multiple assembly constituencies, which were later consolidated into a single assembly constituency. Now, the department says that some proposals remained pending and the reorganization proposals could not be submitted on time. The department has stated that the government will make a final decision as soon as the remaining proposals are received.

Political observers believe this decision could delay the Panchayat elections scheduled for December. The State Election Commission has already completed most of the election preparations, including voter lists. Despite this, the Sukhu government's last-minute initiative to create new Panchayats has raised questions about the government's intentions. Almost a year ago, the Election Commission had urged the government to complete the reorganization process first to ensure timely elections. The Panchayati Raj Department had also directed district magistrates to prepare the reservation roster by September 25th.

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur questioned the government's decision, stating that the Chief Minister and ministers had repeatedly assured that the Panchayat elections would be held on time, but the issuance of a new reorganization order contradicts that claim. Mr. Thakur stated that after the reorganization, a process for inviting public objections and claims will also be initiated, further delaying the elections. He also alleged that the reservation roster, which is supposed to be published 90 days before the elections as directed by the High Court, has not yet been released.

It is noteworthy that elections for Pradhan, Up-Pradhan, Ward Member, Panchayat Samiti Member, and Zila Parishad Member are scheduled to be held in 3,577 Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh in December. Voting will also be held in 73 Nagar Panchayats, Nagar Parishads, and Municipal Corporations.