Punjab Government Dissolves 76 Panchayat Samitis; Appoints DDPOs as Administrators

The Punjab government has dissolved 76 Panchayat Samitis after the completion of their five-year term. District Development and Panchayat Officers (DDPOs) have been appointed to manage the Samitis' responsibilities. Upcoming elections are planned for November 25 and December 31 for Panchayat Samitis, Zila Parishads, and Gram Panchayats.

In a significant administrative move, the Punjab government has dissolved 76 out of 153 Panchayat Samitis across the state, following the completion of their five-year term. Sources indicated that 13,000 Gram Panchayats have also been dissolved. The terms of the dissolved Panchayat Samitis ended between September 10 and September 11.

Following this, the state government, under Section 114-A of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, has appointed District Development and Panchayat Officers (DDPOs) as Administrators to assume the responsibilities of the dissolved Panchayat Samitis. This order was signed by Dilraj Singh, Administrative Secretary to the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, on September 10, 2024. The decision aligns with the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act of 1994.

The official notification stated, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 114-A of the aforesaid Act, and all other powers enabling him in this behalf, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to dissolve the Panchayat Samitis, with effect from the date the Panchayat Samitis have completed their term of five years as given in column 4 (date of term completion) of the said Schedule, and is further pleased to appoint the persons specified in column 5 (DDPOs) of the said Schedule as Administrators to exercise all powers and duties of the Panchayat Samitis, so dissolved, during the period of their dissolution." The move is aimed at maintaining efficient local governance and ensuring the smooth handling of administrative duties during the transition period.

According to sources, elections for Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads are likely scheduled for November 25, while elections for Gram Panchayats are slated for December 31 this year. The government has directed the Panchayati Raj Department to appoint administrators in the panchayats.

(With inputs from agencies.)