Shimla, May 3.
The Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Department has issued fresh clarifications regarding eligibility of candidates for contesting Gram Panchayat elections, focusing on service-related disqualifications under Section 122(1)(g) of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.
In a communication addressed to the Social Audit Unit, the department clarified that Block Resource Persons (BRPs) and Village Resource Persons (VRPs), engaged under MGNREGA guidelines, will not attract disqualification provisions. It stated that since BRPs and VRPs are engaged on a casual and need-based basis, they do not fall within the category of full-time, part-time, or contractual employees under government or public institutions, and are therefore eligible to contest elections.
In a separate clarification issued to the National Health Mission, the department examined the status of ASHA workers. It clarified that ASHA workers, being engaged on a part-time basis with fixed honorarium and performance-based incentives, fall within the ambit of “service” under Section 122(1)(g), and are therefore disqualified from contesting Panchayat elections.
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The department reiterated that persons employed in government service, local authorities, Panchayats, cooperative societies, or public sector undertakings—whether on regular, contractual, or daily wage basis—are disqualified from contesting elections, except those engaged in purely casual or seasonal assignments.
Earlier guidelines of the State Election Commission continue to apply for various categories. Anganwadi workers and helpers, mid-day meal workers, water carriers, and salesmen or secretaries of cooperative societies remain disqualified from contesting elections due to their service status.
At the same time, certain categories such as depot holders, Krishak Mitras, Lambardars, Home Guards, and outsourced employees have been treated as eligible, as they do not fall within the disqualification framework under the Act.
The latest clarification assumes significance ahead of upcoming rural local body elections, as it resolves ambiguity surrounding the eligibility of field-level functionaries and community workers engaged under various government schemes.
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