Shimla, March 12 — The Himachal Pradesh government is expected to release the roster for the upcoming panchayat elections after March 22 as authorities continue examining hundreds of applications seeking the formation of new gram panchayats across the state.
Officials in the Panchayati Raj Department said the government has received around 800 proposals from various regions demanding the creation of new panchayats or restructuring of existing ones. These requests are currently under review before the final roster is issued.
The roster determines the reservation categories for panchayat posts, including the positions of pradhan, up-pradhan and ward members. Its release is considered a key administrative step before the formal election schedule is announced.
Applications under government review
Officials indicated that the government wants to complete scrutiny of pending proposals before finalising the reservation roster. The requests involve the formation of new panchayats as well as changes in existing administrative boundaries in several districts.
According to departmental sources, the state government must evaluate demographic data, geographical feasibility and administrative considerations before approving new panchayats. The process also requires consultation with district administrations.
Once these applications are reviewed and a decision is taken, the roster for panchayat posts will be prepared accordingly.
WATCH LIVE : Himachal Pradesh News Today | 24×7 Live News
Ward delimitation process underway
Authorities have also been working on ward delimitation in rural local bodies, which is another necessary step before elections. Officials said the delimitation exercise is expected to be completed shortly.
The reservation roster for different categories—such as women, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes—is determined based on population data and the rotation policy followed by the state government.
Preparations for rural elections
The roster announcement is part of broader preparations for panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh, which are expected later this year. These elections determine leadership in gram panchayats, panchayat samitis and zila parishads.
Local governance experts say the creation of new panchayats often reflects population growth, geographical challenges and administrative convenience in remote areas.
Residents in several regions have been demanding separate panchayats to ensure better access to development schemes and more effective representation in rural governance.
Administrative process nearing completion
Officials said that once decisions on pending proposals are finalised, the roster will be issued and further steps toward the election process will move forward.
District administrations are expected to receive detailed instructions soon after the roster notification, enabling them to begin the next phase of election preparations.
