NewKerala.com

Himachal Amends Panchayat Rules to Curb Consecutive Reservation Tenures

Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi announced an amendment to Panchayati Raj election rules to stop the same community category from receiving reservations for multiple consecutive terms. The change targets a flaw in the roster system that allowed this repetition, blocking opportunities for other groups. The amendment is designed to ensure broader participation and a level playing field in local bodies. Minister Negi also expressed concern that escalating Middle East tensions could further increase fuel and LPG prices.

Key Points: Himachal Changes Panchayat Rules to Rotate Reservations

  • Amends Panchayat Raj election rules
  • Prevents same category from consecutive reservation
  • Aims for fair representation and level playing field
  • Minister also voices concern over Middle East tensions impacting fuel prices
2 min read

Himachal amends Panchayat Raj election rules to limit consecutive reservation tenures: Minister Jagat Singh

Himachal Pradesh amends Panchayati Raj election rules to prevent the same category from getting reservation for consecutive tenures, ensuring fairer representation.

"If the same category continues to get reservations for ten or fifteen years, then people from other categories do not get a chance. - Jagat Singh Negi"

Shimla, March 7

Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday said the state government has amended the Panchayati Raj election rules to prevent the same category from getting reservation for multiple consecutive tenures in local bodies.

Addressing the media in Shimla, Negi said the amendment was aimed at ensuring fair representation and a level playing field for all categories in Panchayati Raj institutions.

Negi said, "The election rules of the Panchayati Raj have been amended. The main amendment concerns the roster system under which reservations are allotted for various posts, such as wards in Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis."

He said the government noticed that in several cases the same category had been receiving reservations for two or even three consecutive terms due to the way the roster was implemented.

"It has been observed in many places that for two tenures in a row, and sometimes even three, the same category was getting reservations. To correct this shortcoming, it has now been decided that in any Panchayati Raj institution, reservation for a particular community or category will not continue for two consecutive tenures," the minister said.

Negi said the change was introduced to address gaps in the earlier rules and to ensure broader participation.

"If the same category continues to get reservations for ten or fifteen years, then people from other categories do not get a chance. This shortcoming existed in the earlier rules, and it needed to be corrected so that there is a level playing field and all categories get proper representation," he added.

Meanwhile, the minister also expressed concern over the possible impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on fuel prices.

"Prices have already increased, and I fear LPG prices may also rise. Considering the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, if the situation escalates further, it could affect petroleum products and LPG supplies, which may create additional challenges," Negi said.

He added that governments will have to take necessary steps depending on how the global situation evolves.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good move in principle, but implementation is key. Will the local administration follow the new roster properly? Often, these rules exist only on paper. Hope they have a strong monitoring mechanism.
A
Aman W
Finally! This was a long-pending reform. Reservation should be a tool for empowerment, not a permanent monopoly for a few families in a particular category. This will bring fresh faces and ideas to village governance.
P
Priyanka N
The minister's concern about LPG prices is very real. Middle East tensions affect us directly. My cylinder price has already gone up by ₹50 last month. The government must think of subsidies or support for common people if prices rise further.
K
Karthik V
While I support the intent, I hope this doesn't lead to rushed preparations for candidates from newly reserved categories. They need proper training and support to serve effectively. The government should pair this with capacity-building programs.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see state-level electoral reforms. A fair rotational system is crucial for healthy democracy at the grassroots. Hope other states learn from Himachal's example.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50