Panchayati Raj elections to be held on time, claims Himachal Govt

November 4, 2025

Elections for Panchayati Raj institutions in Himachal Pradesh will be held on time. The government has claimed that it has completed preparations for the elections. 90% of the ward reorganization work is complete. The state government has reviewed applications.

The re-demarcation of wards is almost complete. Elections for Panchayati Raj institutions will be held based on the 2011 census. Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh confirmed this. The term of these institutions is set to expire in January 2026.

He stated that no new Panchayats will be formed in Himachal Pradesh. Currently, the number of Gram Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh is 3,577. This number will remain unchanged. The size of some Panchayats will change. Preparations for the elections are complete at the departmental level. Panchayat elections will be held before January 31st.

A decision needs to be made on whether a new roster will be implemented for the elections or a rotational roster will be implemented. The government has received complaints that several panchayats have reserved seats exclusively for women. The government is also looking into such matters.

Elections must be held within two years after the formation of municipal bodies.

The first election after the formation of municipal corporations and municipal bodies in the state will now have to be held within two years. The Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Amendment Bill was notified in the gazette on Monday after receiving the Governor’s approval. Until now, elections were mandatory within six months of the formation of a municipal corporation.