Satish Kaundal

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the State Election Commission to be added as a respondent in the panchayat reorganisation and merger case.

Panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh play a key role in deciding development projects in villages, including roads, water supply and welfare schemes.

Himachal Pradesh has approved 64 new panchayats created by reorganising existing units; the Panchayati Raj Department has ordered ward delimitation across affected areas.

Himachal Pradesh to issue panchayat election notification on March 15, with ward delimitation expected to be completed by March 20.

Himachal Pradesh government may release panchayat election roster after March 22 as nearly 800 applications for formation of new panchayats remain under review.

A guide to how Panchayat elections are conducted in Himachal Pradesh, including the election timeline, reservation system and structure of rural local governance.