Shimla, April 22
In a significant move to encourage consensus-based local governance, the Himachal Pradesh Government has announced a new incentive scheme for Panchayati Raj elections, offering financial rewards ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore for bodies elected unopposed. According to the scheme, a grant of ₹25 lakh will be awarded to a Gram Panchayat if all its positions—Pradhan, Up-Pradhan, and members—are elected without contest. At the Panchayat Samiti level, ₹50 lakh will be given if the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and all members are elected unopposed.
The highest incentive of ₹1 crore has been earmarked for Zila Parishads, where the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and all members are elected unanimously without any opposition. Officials clarified that the funds will be disbursed as grant-in-aid and must be utilised for development works within the respective local bodies.
The Panchayati Raj Department issued a directive on April 21 to all Deputy Commissioners across the state, instructing them to implement the scheme and ensure its wide publicity to maximise participation and awareness.
