The State Election Commission in Himachal Pradesh has issued expenditure guidelines for the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections, setting a maximum spending limit of ₹1 lakh for candidates contesting the post of Zila Parishad member.
However, no expenditure limit has been fixed for candidates contesting for Block Development Committee (BDC) member and Gram Panchayat Pradhan posts. The Commission stated that these elections are conducted at a relatively smaller scale, and expenses may vary depending on local conditions, hence no cap has been imposed for now.
Since Zila Parishad elections are held across larger constituencies, the spending cap has been introduced to ensure transparency and prevent the misuse of money power. Authorities will closely monitor the election expenditure of Zila Parishad candidates, who will be required to submit detailed accounts in a prescribed format.
Candidates for Zila Parishad must also open a separate bank account at the time of nomination, through which all election-related transactions will be carried out. Observers appointed by the Commission will periodically inspect these accounts, and strict action will be taken in case of any irregularities.
Additionally, the State Election Commission has released expenditure guidelines for urban local bodies. Candidates can spend up to ₹1 lakh in Municipal Corporations, ₹75,000 in Municipal Councils, and ₹50,000 in Nagar Panchayats.