Himachal Pradesh Clarifies Panchayat Election Eligibility Ahead of Polls

In Himachal Pradesh, the eligibility of candidates has been clarified ahead of the panchayat elections. Based on the provisions issued under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act 1994 and government notifications issued from time to time, it has been decided that which categories of people can contest elections and who will be excluded. Notably, the electoral route has been kept completely open for some sections, which is expected to promote political participation at the village level. As per the rules, outsourced employees, depot holders, Krishak Mitras, Home Guards and Lambardar Panchayats are eligible to contest elections. Also, people applying for regularisation under the Forest Rights Act 2006 (FRA) have also been given relief and allowed to contest elections. For these categories, it has been clarified that they can participate in the electoral process without any hindrance. On the contrary, some categories have been declared completely disqualified. Anganwadi workers and mid-day helpers, mid-day salesmen and water cooperatives have been kept out of the electoral process.