Dharamshala, June 6
Seventeen newly elected members of the Panchayat Samiti (Block Development Committee) of Dharamshala took the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday. The oath was administered by SDM Dharamshala Mohit Rattan to 17 of the 18 elected members. One member could not attend the ceremony due to health reasons and will be administered the oath later as per the prescribed procedure.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohit Rattan said the oath-taking ceremony was conducted under Sections 79 and 80 of the Panchayati Raj Act. He said the members were also briefed about their rights, responsibilities, and duties as elected representatives. Rattan said that a majority of the newly elected members have entered the Panchayat Samiti for the first time. He added that the election of several young representatives reflects the growing youth participation in grassroots democracy.
Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma, who attended the ceremony, congratulated the newly elected members and described Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads as vital institutions in the Panchayati Raj system.
He said the election process for the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson is yet to be completed and will be conducted according to the schedule notified by the administration.
Sharma also said that the powers and responsibilities of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads are likely to expand following the implementation of recommendations linked to the 16th Finance Commission. He further referred to certain changes introduced by the state government through official notifications.
Commenting on reports regarding the proposed oath-taking ceremony of village Pradhans and Up-Pradhans in Shimla, Sharma said the role and political understanding of elected representatives should be respected.
