The State Election Commission is getting ready to announce the schedule for Panchayat elections. Notifications will be issued for 12,760 Panchayats and 1,13,534 wards in 545 rural mandals in 31 districts. Officials propose to act based on the High Court’s judgment expected on Tuesday and the Cabinet decisions. Going by the indications available, the notification is likely to be out on Wednesday or Thursday. The government has already given its approval, and both the Panchayat Raj Department and the Election Commission have completed the required preparations.
Reservations regarding SC, ST, BC, and women were notified through a Gazette by the District Collectors on Monday, keeping the 50 percent reservation limit in line with the guidelines of the Supreme Court and the recommendations of the State BC Dedicated Commission. The data was compiled by the Panchayat Raj Department and presented to the Election Commission in the form of a comprehensive report, along with updated lists of voters in every Panchayat and ward.
The High Court will hear petitions with regard to local body elections on Tuesday, as the session scheduled for Monday was postponed. The State Panchayat Raj Department has already forwarded a report to the Advocate General, expressing its preparedness to hold elections with the previous reservation structure in place. The Cabinet is likely to discuss election dates on Tuesday. The Election Commission has furnished a proposal for holding elections in three phases and the government reviewed the same. Though the government will begin distribution of interest-free loan cheques on Tuesday, the election notification is likely to be issued on Wednesday or Thursday after examining the High Court orders and Cabinet decisions.
State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini, on Monday, convened a meeting with department officials, observers and expenditure monitors. While underlining the importance of observers in smooth election conduct, she said that all guidelines and rules should be adhered to in letter and spirit. She warned that violations would invite firm action.
