Shimla, Jan 6,
Ahead of the Panchayat elections scheduled later this year, Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department has witnessed a surge in proposals for the formation of new panchayats. To date, 550 proposals have been submitted through the Deputy Commissioners (DCs), with the number likely to rise.
The department plans to forward these proposals to the state government this month for consideration. The state cabinet will then deliberate on the proposals and establish criteria for creating new panchayats. The process is expected to conclude by April, following an evaluation of the necessity and feasibility of new panchayats, particularly in areas with pressing needs.
Under the Panchayati Raj Act, a minimum population of 1,000 is required for the formation of a new panchayat. However, additional criteria may be introduced to guide the process.
Sources indicate that some proposals have been motivated by political considerations. Furthermore, several existing panchayats span multiple assembly constituencies, creating logistical challenges. The government may reorganize such panchayats to align their boundaries within a single assembly constituency.
Himachal Pradesh currently has 3,615 panchayats. During the 2020 elections, the previous BJP government created 412 new panchayats. However, many of these continue to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and staffing. Several lack dedicated panchayat buildings and operate from rented premises, affecting their efficiency.
The upcoming expansion aims to address these shortcomings by streamlining administrative processes and ensuring new panchayats are better equipped to serve their communities effectively.
