Himachal Pradesh Establishes Administrative Committees as PRI Terms Conclude
The five-year tenure of elected representatives serving in Panchayati Raj Institutions across Himachal Pradesh officially concluded on Saturday, marking a significant transition in local governance. With the exception of a few specific areas, the terms have ended, prompting immediate administrative action from the state government.
Widespread Expiration of PRI Terms
According to official notifications released by the panchayati raj department, the existing terms for PRI representatives expired on January 31st. This development affects the vast majority of Himachal Pradesh's 3,577 gram panchayats. Only select regions have been exempted from this expiration, including Keylong sub-division, Lahaul-Spiti zila parishad, Pangi sub-division within Chamba district, and four specific gram panchayats located in Kullu district.
The scheduled elections for these crucial local bodies could not proceed as planned due to the continued enforcement of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, within the state. This legislative barrier has created an administrative gap that requires immediate resolution to maintain governance continuity.
Legal Framework for Transition
In response to this situation, the state government has invoked specific provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. Under Sections 120 and 128 of this act, the Panchayati Raj Institutions are now formally considered dissolved. This legal dissolution paves the way for temporary administrative measures until fresh elections can be organized and conducted.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has already intervened in this matter, issuing clear directives to the state government. The judicial body has mandated that the complete election process for all PRIs must be finalized before the deadline of April 30th, creating a clear timeline for the restoration of elected local governance.
Structure of New Administrative Committees
To ensure uninterrupted administration during this transitional period, the state government has established a comprehensive committee system. For gram panchayats, a dedicated committee has been formed under the leadership of the block development officer (BDO), with the panchayat secretary serving as an essential member of this administrative body.
Similarly, for panchayat samitis, the committee will be chaired by the chief executive officer (CEO) of the respective panchayat samiti. This committee's composition includes the social education and block planning officer (SEBPO) or their designated nominee, along with the panchayat inspector or sub-inspector who will function as member secretary. Provisions have been made for nominee appointments in cases where these positions are currently vacant.
The zila parishad committee structure follows a parallel administrative model, with the CEO of the zila parishad assuming the chairperson role. This committee will include the district development officer and district panchayat officer, with the latter specifically designated as member secretary to ensure proper documentation and procedural compliance.
Financial Management and Governance Continuity
A crucial aspect of these temporary committees involves financial administration, particularly regarding central finance commission grants. The established framework designates the member secretary as the financial maker, responsible for initiating transactions and financial processes. Simultaneously, the chairperson of each committee will serve as the checker, providing essential oversight and authorization for all financial matters.
These carefully structured committees have been specifically designed to maintain seamless administration and effective governance across all local bodies. Their mandate will continue until newly elected representatives of the Panchayati Raj Institutions assume their official responsibilities following the upcoming elections. This transitional arrangement represents a necessary bridge between governance periods, ensuring that essential public services and administrative functions continue without disruption during this interim phase.
