Yog Raj Sharma
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.
Two alleged key suppliers arrested in Fazilka and Chandigarh during probe into separate ‘chitta’ cases…
The BJP MP also calls for social media regulations, reacts to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on…
Six states sign Rs 15,624-crore pact; Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan to bear state’s estimated power-component…
District chief Keshav Chauhan flags patient woes over cardiology shift to Chamiyana and KNH gynaecology…
