Himachal Pradesh HC Clears Way for ASHA Workers in Panchayat Polls

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted interim relief to ASHA workers, allowing them to contest upcoming Panchayat elections. The court stayed a government order disqualifying them as part-time employees, enabling them to participate in May's elections across 3,758 Panchayats amid ongoing legal proceedings.

In a significant legal development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted interim relief to ASHA workers by staying a state government order that classified them as part-time employees, subsequently disqualifying them from participating in the upcoming Panchayat elections.

The court's decision came after a petition filed by seven ASHA workers challenged their disqualification under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. The division bench found merit in their argument, noting that ASHA workers function as honorary volunteers based on performance-based incentives, rather than salaried staff or part-time employees.

The elections are set to take place over three phases starting May 26, spanning 3,758 Panchayats. The interim stay enables ASHA workers to partake in the electoral process, with further hearings scheduled for June 1, as the state government prepares its reply.