1,789 Women to Lead Panchayats in Himachal, 50% Reservation to Boost Empowerment
In the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh, 1,789 women are set to take charge as Gram Panchayat heads. In the previous 2020 elections, this number stood at 1,808. This time, the total number of panchayats has reduced to 3,577 from 3,615 due to administrative changes — including 44 panchayats being upgraded to nagar panchayats and the creation of 4 new panchayats from Yol Cantonment.
Women are benefitting from the implementation of 50% reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions. The reservation is determined block-wise. If a block has an odd number of panchayats, the “0.5-point” formula is applied, giving one extra seat to women. Women are also free to contest open seats, further increasing their representation.
Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh stated, “Out of 3,577 panchayats in the state, 50% seats are reserved for women. Women can also contest open seats, which will further strengthen female leadership.”
The term of the current Panchayati Raj bodies will end in December 2025. Preparations for elections have begun, with the State Election Commission and the Panchayati Raj Department issuing instructions to Deputy Commissioners to prepare seat rosters. Elections will be held for Panchayat heads, deputy heads, 91 Panchayat Samitis, and 249 Zila Parishad wards. Notably, the position of Deputy Head remains unreserved.
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