Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 24
The Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission(HPSEC) has suspended nine officials for alleged negligence in preparing draft voter lists ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections. The suspended officials include one Panchayat Inspector, one Sub-Inspector and seven Panchayat Secretaries. Their headquarters have been shifted to the offices of the respective District Panchayat Officers during the suspension period.
Officials said the action was taken after staff failed to provide updated electoral rolls for public inspection. Instead of the 2025 list, outdated 2022 voter rolls were circulated. Negligence was reported in several panchayats including Aura, Bajol, Holi, Nihri, Jhungi, Behli, Bai and Shegal.
The Commission has also issued show-cause notices to Block Development Officers in Nihri (Mandi) and Bharmour (Chamba), asking for responses by October 25. The disciplinary action comes as the state gears up for local body elections. The Commission said the suspensions were based on violations of election guidelines and negligence in electoral preparations.
