HP: Panchayats elected uncontested to receive several lakhs; Election schedule today

April 21, 2026

The government has announced the provision of grants for Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads that are elected unopposed. If all members of a Panchayat, including the Pradhan (Head) and Up-Pradhan (Deputy Head) are elected without opposition, that Panchayat will be awarded an incentive amount of ₹10 lakh.

Similarly, if the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and all members of a Panchayat Samiti are elected unopposed, it will receive a grant of ₹5 lakh. Furthermore, if the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and all members of a Zila Parishad are elected unopposed, a sum of ₹15 lakh will be provided. The Panchayati Raj Department issued these directives to the District Deputy Commissioners on Monday.

The Panchayati Raj Department has clarified that this scheme will be applicable only to those Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads where all office-bearers are elected unopposed. The objective of this initiative is to simplify the electoral process, foster mutual consensus, and minimize unnecessary election-related expenditure and disputes. The government believes that this scheme will strengthen mutual harmony in rural areas and allow for greater focus on developmental activities.

The Department has directed all districts to ensure widespread publicity and dissemination of this scheme. District Panchayat Officers and Block Development Officers have been instructed to take the necessary action to ensure its implementation.

Although the Department has issued a notification regarding the grant amounts, the matter remains under consideration at the government level. There are plans to increase these amounts. Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh has also given indications that the grant amounts will be enhanced. A final decision on this matter is expected to be taken once the Chief Minister arrives in Shimla.