Telangana gears up for panchayat elections
HYDERABAD: The Telangana State Election Commission has begun preparatory work for the upcoming panchayat elections. As part of the process, the commission has issued a schedule for another round of revisions to voter lists in all gram panchayats.
Voter list revisions set for November 20–23
According to the schedule, voter lists in villages will be updated from November 20 to November 23. Applications and objections will be received and corrections taken up on November 20. On November 21, applications and objections will be resolved. The final voter lists along with polling station details will be published on November 23, the commission said in its order.
State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini has issued instructions to district panchayat officials to follow the schedule.
Election schedule likely in second week of December
Officials said the schedule for the panchayat elections is expected in the second week of December. The entire election process can be completed before the end of the month.
The Panchayat Raj Department and the State Election Commission have focused on completing the exercise soon after the “Praja Palana” week, which will be held between December 1 and 9. The cabinet’s decision to hold panchayat polls immediately after the programme has also guided the preparation.
Cabinet discusses reservations, court directives
At Monday’s cabinet meeting, ministers held a detailed discussion on local body elections. The Panchayat Raj Department submitted a report covering reservation implementation, High Court and Supreme Court directions, and legal advice received. Ministers gave their views on the report.
Officials said the matter will come up for hearing in the High Court on November 24. They added that central finance grants may be released only if panchayat elections are completed by March 31.
