Flash News: Panchayat Elections Set for January with Stringent Eligibility Criteria
Hyderabad December 12
In a recent development, Panchayat elections are poised to take place in January, with the schedule expected to be released in the last week of December. A notification is anticipated on January 7, kicking off the election process that will unfold in three phases.
The polling is projected to occur in the first phase on January 21, the second phase on January 25, and the third phase on January 30. Polling hours are slated from 7 am to 1 pm, followed by the counting process starting at 2 pm. Additionally, the election of the Deputy Sarpanch will be part of this democratic exercise.
Eligibility criteria for candidates have been outlined, highlighting that those contesting for Sarpanch/Ward Members must not have more than two children, with no third child permitted after June 1, 1995. Notably, candidates with two or three births in one litter are deemed eligible.
Other key points include the disqualification of a husband from contesting if the first wife dies after giving birth to two children, paving the way for the second wife to be eligible. The minimum age for contesting is set at 21 years, with candidates required to be registered voters in the contesting Gram Panchayat. Ward Members/Sarpanch proponents must be voters in the same Ward/Village.
Certain individuals, such as ration dealers, cooperative societies, local body employees, Anganwadi workers, and those associated with organizations established under Section 15 of Debt, are deemed ineligible. Moreover, managing agents, managers, and secretaries of institutions/companies with over 25 percent government investment are ineligible unless they resign and confirm before nomination consideration, in what is being described as a government jive.
