- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 27 Nov 2025 02:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Preparations for the 2025-26 municipal elections in Jharkhand have begun at the administrative level, with the State Election Commission issuing a fresh set of disqualification guidelines for candidates contesting the posts of mayor, chairman, and ward members.
In a letter sent to all districts, Election Commission Secretary Radhey Shyam Prasad has clarified that individuals with more than two children will not be eligible to contest the upcoming municipal elections.
The restriction applies to those whose third or subsequent child was born after February 9, 2013, in accordance with provisions of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011. However, candidates who had more than two children on or before this date, but did not have additional children later, will remain eligible.
The commission has also stated that adopted children and twins will be counted while determining the number of children. Candidates will be required to submit a self-declaration, which must accompany their nomination forms. Any discrepancies detected during scrutiny will result in the cancellation of nominations.
This will be the first time that elections for all municipal bodies in the state will be conducted simultaneously, and preparations for the process have been completed.
The commission has further directed that candidates with outstanding taxes, fees, or rent will not be allowed to file their nominations for the 2026 municipal elections. While compound interest on dues before February 9, 2013, will be waived, candidates must pay the principal amount along with simple interest. All pending municipal taxes must be cleared by the 2024-25 financial year.
Copies of the guidelines have been forwarded to Deputy Commissioners across the state to ensure strict compliance.