Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Institutions Dissolved, Administrators Take Charge
The five-year term of the Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) in Himachal Pradesh concluded on Saturday, leading to the state government's decision to dissolve the elected bodies. In a significant administrative shift, the government has notified the appointment of administrators to oversee the operations of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads across the state.
Widespread Dissolution Across the State
Out of the total 3,577 Gram Panchayats, the tenure of elected representatives in nearly 3,540 ended on Saturday. The Panchayati Raj Department issued a detailed notification to formalize this dissolution. The previous elections for these bodies, including 81 Panchayat Samitis and 12 Zila Parishads, were held back in January 2021.
According to the notification, the PRIs are deemed dissolved under Sections 120 and 128 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. This dissolution applies statewide, with exceptions only for Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis in specific regions: the sub-division Keylong of Lahaul-Spiti district, the sub-division Pangi of Chamba district, and four Gram Panchayats in Kullu district. An official noted that the tenure of representatives in these areas will conclude during March–April this year.
Administrative Framework Established
In exercise of powers under Section 140(3)(b) of the Act, the Governor of Himachal Pradesh has constituted committees to assume the powers and functions of the dissolved bodies. The administrative structure is as follows:
- For Gram Panchayats, the Block Development Officer will serve as Chairperson, with the Panchayat Secretary acting as Member Secretary.
- For Panchayat Samitis, the Chief Executive Officer will be the Chairperson, supported by the Social Education and Block Planning Officer or a nominated official as a member, and the Panchayat Inspector or Sub Inspector as Member Secretary.
- For Zila Parishads, the Chief Executive Officer will function as Chairperson, with the District Development Officer as Member and the District Panchayat Officer as Member Secretary.
The notification specifies that for payments related to Central Finance Commission grants, the Member Secretary will act as the maker and the Chairperson as the checker for their respective Panchayats. This order has been issued by the Secretary (Panchayati Raj) and circulated to all relevant state officials, including administrative secretaries, heads of departments, deputy commissioners, and block development officers.
Government's Stance and Election Timeline
Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh clarified that from February 1, all powers will vest with the administrators. He emphasized that this is a standard procedure when the tenure of elected representatives ends and fresh elections are pending. The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to conduct Panchayat elections before April 30, a deadline set by the Himachal Pradesh High Court earlier this month.
Previously, the state government had argued that Panchayat elections could not be held due to the enforcement of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. However, the High Court did not accept this contention, pushing for timely electoral processes.
Opposition's Strong Criticism
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has strongly criticized the move, labeling it as unprecedented in the state's history. He asserted that this marks the first time the entire Panchayati Raj system will be handed over to government-appointed officials, rendering the powers of elected Panchayat Pradhans meaningless. According to Thakur, more than 30,000 elected representatives will become ineffective, leaving Himachalis without local-elected representatives and under administrators imposed by the government.
Thakur alleged that the government's initial justification using the Disaster Management Act has been exposed as false, and despite court directions, the State Election Commission has not yet published voter lists for Panchayats, missing the January 30 deadline. He urged the government to fulfill its constitutional obligations and accused the Sukhu government of undermining the ideals of Panchayati Raj and Gram Swaraj envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi.
Thakur described the situation as reflective of the government's double standards, claiming it is disconnected from public interest and grassroots concerns. He pointed out that for the past six months, warnings were issued about deliberate delays in Panchayat elections, even as government officials repeatedly assured timely polls. Thakur questioned how the Chief Minister and ministers would now answer to the people after failing to honor these assurances.
