Himachal postpones Panchayati elections

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Yog Raj Sharma

The North News

Shimla, October 9

Himachal Pradesh has postponed the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections scheduled for December, citing ongoing relief and rehabilitation work in the aftermath of recent natural disasters. The decision was announced through a notification issued by the Chief Secretary under the powers of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The order followed letters from the Deputy Commissioners of Mandi district, Hamirpur district, Kangra district and Shimla district to the Panchayati Raj Secretary, highlighting extensive damage to public and private property, including roads and rural infrastructure. They noted that large-scale repair and relief work is underway and holding elections in the current circumstances is not practical.

The Chief Secretary said that the decision to postpone the elections was made keeping in mind public safety and the extensive rehabilitation work still in progress across the state. Officials and departmental staff are currently engaged in emergency and reconstruction efforts in rural areas, including projects under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Once relief and rehabilitation operations are completed, new election dates will be announced.