Union Minister endorses direct elections for block Pramukhs and district Panchayat heads

Monday, 04 November 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN

In a significant move to curb widespread corruption and influencing voters with money in local elections, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, SP Singh Baghel, endorsed the proposal for direct elections of block Pramukhs and district Panchayat heads.

This proposal, initially advocated by Uttarakhand’s Panchayati Raj minister Satpal Maharaj, is seen as a step towards increasing transparency and accountability in the local governance system. Maharaj met with Baghel on Sunday in New Delhi where he emphasised the urgent need for reform. He pointed out that the current indirect election system for these positions often leads to large scale manipulation and financial inducements among Panchayat members. He suggested that direct elections will minimise such unethical practices, allowing citizens themselves to choose their local leaders and thus reduce the influence of money and corruption in the process.

Maharaj also proposed granting States the authority to decide whether block and district Panchayat heads should be elected directly by the people or indirectly by the Panchayat members. Baghel welcomed this suggestion and assured that the proposal will be considered seriously. Maharaj stated that this endorsement marks a potential shift in the Panchayati Raj system, promising greater autonomy for states and a strengthened democratic framework at the grassroots level.