Punjab Newsline | Shimla
The nomination process for Panchayati Raj Institutions elections in Himachal Pradesh will begin on Thursday, May 7. Candidates can file their nomination papers over three days—May 7, 8, and 11.
As per the guidelines, candidates for the posts of Panchayat Pradhan and members must submit their nominations at the Panchayat office before the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO). Those contesting for Panchayat Samiti positions will file papers with the Tehsildar at the Tehsil office, while Zila Parishad candidates must submit nominations to the SDM at the MDM office.
District election offices have completed all necessary preparations for the process. According to orders issued by the State Election Commission, scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on May 12. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations on May 14 and 15, with the final list of candidates and allocation of election symbols to be completed on May 15.
Polling for the Panchayati Raj elections will be conducted in three phases on May 26, 28, and 30.
Mandatory Documents
Candidates must ensure their names are listed in the electoral roll. They are also required to submit a No Objection Certificate from the Panchayat and a self-declaration form issued by the Election Commission. The declaration must confirm compliance with key conditions, including no criminal record, no involvement in drug-related activities, no encroachment, no bank default, and no criminal offences. Candidates for Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad posts must also get their documents countersigned by the BDO office.
Who Can Contest
Eligible candidates include ASHA workers, outsourced employees, home guards, agriculture assistants, private depot holders, individuals who regularised encroachments in 2006 through self-declaration, MGNREGA social audit workers, and Lambardars.
Who Cannot Contest
Individuals involved in illegal encroachment on government land (including family members in certain cases), Anganwadi workers and helpers, mid-day meal workers, Jal Rakshaks, and salesmen or secretaries of cooperative societies are barred from contesting. Those with pending appeals or revision cases in courts are also ineligible. Additionally, individuals evicted for encroachment will remain disqualified for six years even after vacating the land.
