Punjab Gears Up for Upcoming Gram Panchayat Elections

The Punjab State Election Commission is making logistical arrangements for the gram panchayat elections. Final voter lists were published on January 7, 2024, after updates and public feedback. A special campaign to update electoral rolls will be held in August. Previously, the state's dissolution of gram panchayats faced legal challenges.

The Punjab State Election Commission announced on Tuesday that preparations are underway for the general elections to the gram panchayats in the state.

Electoral rolls, updated and finalized by January 7, 2024, will be used for these elections. State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri indicated the thorough updating process involved public claims and objections collected up to December 29, 2023.

The commission will hold a special campaign from August 20-22 to allow eligible voters to register or update their information.

In February, the rural development and panchayat department dissolved the gram panchayats after completing their five-year term. However, an earlier dissolution in August 2023 was challenged by the Shiromani Akali Dal and led to the suspension of two senior IAS officers.