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Himachal CM Sukhu, while addressing the Assembly, said the amendment was crucial to tackle corruption at the grassroots level
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. (File photo via X/@SukhuSukhvinder)
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday passed the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at making village governance more transparent and accountable. The Bill introduces several reforms, including a key provision that bars corrupt pradhans (village heads) from contesting future elections.
The Bill was introduced by Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and passed by voice vote. It seeks to align the state’s Panchayati Raj Act with India’s new criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which replaced older laws like the IPC and CrPC, The Indian Express reported.
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“The proposed amendments are intended to ensure conformity with the new criminal laws, streamline electoral processes, improve institutional functioning, simplify procedures, and enhance accountability of office bearers,” Singh stated.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing the Assembly, said the amendment was crucial to tackle corruption at the grassroots level.
“The legislation bars pradhans found guilty of corruption from contesting elections again, thus ensuring transparency in rural governance,” he said. “It has become a routine for corrupt pradhans to escape accountability under the existing provisions. The amended law will, however, end this practice.”
The Bill also restricts any panchayat member or employee involved in irregularities from taking part in panchayat-related contracts or commissions. Violators may face action under Section 202 of the BNS and can be disqualified from holding office.
Additionally, the Bill empowers panchayat secretaries to recover arrears such as taxes, rent, and water charges under the supervision of district collectors. It also allows panchayats to handle minor offences like public nuisance, petty theft (up to Rs 250), and misbehaviour in public places.
During the debate, BJP MLA Tarlok Jamwal raised concerns over giving too much power to the executive, especially on tax matters. He suggested putting a cap on tax increases.
Responding, CM Sukhu assured that the law would be implemented carefully, and opposition concerns would be considered. He also confirmed that upcoming panchayat elections will not be delayed, despite recent damage to roads, schools, and polling booths.
“The government has no intention to misuse its powers, as there are only certain items where the upper limit has been raised from 50 to 100 per cent,” he said.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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Himachal Pradesh, India, India
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