Punjab Prepares for Massive Gram Panchayat Elections on October 15

The Punjab State Election Commission has announced that elections for over 13,000 gram panchayats will be held on October 15, with the model code of conduct now in effect. Nomination filings start on September 27 and end on October 4, with voting taking place from 8 am to 4 pm, followed by immediate counting.

Elections to over 13,000 gram panchayats in Punjab are set to take place on October 15, according to the State Election Commission (SEC). The announcement of the election schedule has triggered the model code of conduct with immediate effect, State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri confirmed.

Starting from September 27, candidates can file their nominations, with October 4 being the last date. Nominations will not be accepted on September 28 due to a public holiday. The scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for October 5, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 7.

Polling will be conducted between 8 am and 4 pm on October 15 using ballot boxes, with votes being counted at polling stations right after the voting ends. The elections will determine 13,237 sarpanch and 83,437 panch positions across 1,33,97,922 registered voters and 19,110 polling booths. About 96,000 personnel will be deployed for election duties, with 23 senior IAS and PCS officers serving as general observers to ensure smooth and peaceful elections. The expenditure limit for sarpanch candidates is set at Rs 40,000, while it is Rs 30,000 for panch candidates. This comes shortly after the Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed the Punjab Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2024, prohibiting the use of political party symbols during the elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)