Uttarakhand Gram Panchayat Election 2025: Tenure of administrators will not be extended, election notification will be issued soon
The preparations of the state government regarding Uttarakhand Gram Panchayat Election 2025 have now reached a decisive turn. The state government has given clear indications that the tenure of administrators appointed in the three-tier panchayat system will not be extended, and there is full preparation to issue the election notification in the coming time.
Tenure of panchayats ends, countdown to elections begins
The tenure of gram panchayats, area panchayats and district panchayats in 12 districts of Uttarakhand (except Haridwar) has ended on 28 November, 30 November and 1 December 2024 respectively. Due to non-conduct of elections, these panchayats were handed over to the administrators for the time being, but this temporary tenure of the administrators is now ending in May 2025.
The government no longer seems to be in favor of extending the tenure of administrators, rather it has clearly stated that the process of Uttarakhand Gram Panchayat Election 2025 will be given priority.
Main reasons for delay in Panchayat elections
There are two main reasons behind the Panchayat elections not being held on time in Uttarakhand:
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Pending process of amendment in the Panchayat Raj Act.
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No clear arrangement for OBC reservation.
Now work is being done rapidly on both these issues. The ordinance prepared by the state government has been sent to the Raj Bhavan, and it is expected that it will get the approval of the Governor in the next few days.
Reservation process and preparation of notification
After the approval of the Governor, first of all the list of OBC reservation will be prepared, which will be made public through the District Magistrates. After this, objections will be invited and then after disposing of them, the final reservation list will be issued.
Only after that the official notification of Uttarakhand Gram Panchayat Election 2025 will be issued. That is, now the way for the election is almost clear.
Controversy related to twins and panchayat elections
There was an important provision in the Panchayat Raj Act that those who have more than two children after 27 September 2019 will not be able to contest panchayat elections. Controversy arose over this provision, especially in cases of twins.
Later the court clarified that twins will be considered a single unit, and after this the state government also issued orders with a cut-off date of 25 July 2019. However, this created a contradiction, to resolve which the government has proposed amendments in the Act.
Now this amended ordinance is awaiting the approval of the Raj Bhavan, and as soon as it is received, the election process will be finalized.
Statement of Panchayati Raj Secretary
Panchayati Raj Secretary Shri Chandresh Yadav has clarified that the government is fully prepared to conduct the elections. He says:
“The revised ordinance has been sent for the governor's approval. As soon as the approval is received, the election process will be taken forward. At present, a strategy is being prepared keeping in mind all aspects in view of the Chardham Yatra and possible disasters.”
Chardham Yatra and the busyness of the government machinery
The month of May-June is the peak season of the Chardham Yatra. The entire administrative machinery of the Uttarakhand government is engaged in conducting the Yatra smoothly during this time. Along with this, disaster management is also an important priority due to pre-monsoon preparations. Keeping all these situations in mind, the time limit for panchayat elections is being decided.
When is the tenure of administrators ending?
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Tenure of administrators of Gram Panchayats: 27 May 2025
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Tenure of administrators of area panchayat chiefs: 29 May 2025
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Tenure of administrators of district panchayats: 1 June 2025
The government aims to issue notification for panchayat elections before these dates, so that there is no need for any extension in the tenure of administrators.
There is uncertainty about the date of election
At present, no official announcement has been made by the state government regarding the date of Uttarakhand Gram Panchayat Election 2025, but all indications are that the notification can be issued in the first week of June 2025 and the election process can be completed by July.
Conclusion: New dawn of panchayat elections in Uttarakhand
Now that the state government has decided that the tenure of administrators will not be extended, it is almost certain that Uttarakhand Gram Panchayat Election 2025 will be conducted very soon. The process of amendment in the Act and determination of reservation is in the final stage.
These elections are extremely important for strengthening the rural development and democratic participation of the state. Now all eyes are on when the date of the election is announced and when the newly elected Panchayat representatives take oath.