Despite the conclusion of three-tier Panchayat elections in 12 districts of Uttarakhand (excluding Haridwar), development work in many areas remains stalled as Panchayats could not be formed in 4,792 Gram Panchayats.
The deadlock has arisen because elections for nearly two-thirds of the Village Panchayat member posts were not held in 4,772 Gram Panchayats. In addition, polls for Village Heads could not take place in 20 Panchayats, leaving these positions vacant.
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To resolve the issue, preparations are underway for by-elections to fill 33,490 vacant posts, including 33,468 Village Panchayat member seats, 20 Village Head posts, and 2 Kshetra Panchayat member posts. Indications suggest the by-elections may be held by September 20.
The State Election Commission has already written to district administrations, seeking detailed reports of the vacancies. Elections held earlier had covered 7,499 Gram Panchayats, 89 Kshetra Panchayats, and 12 Zila Panchayats across 12 districts. While the oath-taking ceremony for Gram Panchayat representatives was conducted on August 27, Panchayats could only be constituted in 2,707 villages.
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With the Zila Panchayat oath-taking scheduled for September 6, officials say the by-election programme may be announced shortly thereafter.
“In view of the by-elections for vacant posts in the three-tier Panchayats, district-wise details have been sought from the administration. After high-level discussions, the schedule for the by-elections will be released soon,” said Sushil Kumar, State Election Commissioner.