Punjab Government Makes Permission Mandatory for Panchayat Leaders Before Traveling Abroad

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Punjab government has announced a major decision aimed at strengthening discipline and administrative efficiency at the panchayat level. From now on, panches, sarpanches, and deputy sarpanches will be required to seek official permission from the government before traveling abroad.

This new rule will function similarly to how government employees apply for ex-India leave. Until now, panchayat representatives could travel abroad after merely informing authorities, but going forward, they must apply formally and obtain approval to ensure that village-level work is not disrupted.

Rule to Apply to Over 13,000 Sarpanches Across Punjab

The Department of Rural Development and Panchayats has issued instructions to all District Development and Panchayat Officers regarding this policy. The department noted that when elected panchayat leaders travel abroad, village development activities are often delayed or affected, necessitating this step.

Currently, Punjab has 13,228 sarpanches and over 83,000 panchayat members, many of whom have family members living abroad, leading to frequent international travel. However, it is not yet confirmed whether this rule will also apply to block committee members or district chairpersons.

According to the new guidelines, when a sarpanch travels abroad, one of the panches will be temporarily assigned charge. Before leaving, the sarpanch must hand over all official panchayat records to the designated member. Upon returning, they must report back to the concerned authority.

If there is a need to extend their stay abroad, the sarpanch must inform officials in writing through phone or email. The government stated that this move aims to maintain continuity in village administration and strengthen local governance systems across the state.