Himachal: 39 new Panchayats formed, elections may be held in three phases

February 28, 2026

The process of forming 39 out of 40 new Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh has been completed. The Panchayati Raj Department issued a notification on Friday. The formation of one Panchayat in Mandi remains pending. The Panchayati Raj Department will now re-demarcate these Panchayats. Their boundaries will be finalized within a week. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to conduct elections for Panchayati Raj institutions in the state in three phases.

The total number of Panchayats has now increased to 3,616.
With the formation of 39 new Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh, the total number of Panchayats has now increased to 3,616. Previously, this number was 3,577. Although the Panchayati Raj Department is receiving more applications for the formation of new Panchayats, no new Panchayats will be formed for the time being.

As per the Supreme Court order, the state government is required to conduct elections before May 31st. Meanwhile, the State Election Commission has also intensified preparations for the elections.

Elections may be held in three phases.
Elections for Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad may be conducted in three phases. Approximately 35,000 employees will be deployed for the elections, while approximately 22,000 polling stations will be set up across the state.

The State Election Commission is holding regular meetings with officials to ensure timely arrangements are completed. The State Election Commission will also soon issue guidelines to commissioners and district election officers.