Amid tussle with SEC, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decides to reorganise panchayats

Later, Revenue Minister Negi told The Indian Express, “Before taking the decision of reorganisation and delimitations of Gram Panchayats, we discussed an order issued by the State Election Commissioner barring the state government over the delimitation of Gram Panchayats.

The cabinet decided that reorganisation and delimitation of Gram Panchayats fall under the purview of the state government hence the government can take the decision on it. Apart from this, till the Disaster Management Act is implemented in the state, Gram Panchayat elections can’t be held. Notifications for the delimitation and reorganization of Panchayats will be issued shortly mentioning the time till the process will be completed.”

On November 17, the SEC invoked Clause 12.1 of the Model Code of Conduct, issuing instructions restraining the government from undertaking any delimitation exercise for Gram Panchayats or Urban Local Bodies. The directive was seen as a preventive measure against any last-minute administrative restructuring before the elections. The SEC directive came days after the Himachal Urban Local Department issued a notification proposing the delimitation of Nadaun and Una Municipal Committee on November 15.

The elections to over 3,500 gram panchayats in the state are slated for December 2025-January 2026. The last date for conducting the elections is January 23 and the SEC has set the process rolling by initiating the preparation of electoral rolls.