Punjab is once again entering a phase of electoral activity. The state government has begun preparations to conduct elections for Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads by October 5th. In this regard, necessary guidelines have been issued to all ADC (Development) officers in the districts.
Punjab Panchayat Elections 2025: In a significant step towards strengthening the democratic process in Punjab, the state government has approved the plan to hold elections for Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads by October 5, 2025. The state cabinet recently approved the long-pending proposal for the reorganization of blocks.
Now, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats has instructed all ADC (Development) officers in the districts to engage in election preparations. Simultaneously, the State Election Commission will soon formally announce the election dates.
Electoral Process Resumes After Reorganization
The Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad elections had been stalled for the past few months due to the pending block reorganization process by the state government. However, with the cabinet's approval, the path is now clear to proceed with the electoral process. The Department of Rural Development has issued written orders to all district officials, instructing them to immediately begin preparations such as ward delimitation, determination of election constituencies, and submission of proposals to ensure the elections are completed by October 5th.
Based on the new blocks, the ward delimitation process for the Panchayat and Zilla Parishad elections will be carried out afresh. The department has clearly stated that all ADC Development officers should create election constituencies in accordance with the block reorganization proposal. For this, the names of local Gram Sabhas, villages, and Hadbast numbers must also be recorded. Meetings will be held with all relevant stakeholders (Gram Panchayats, regional representatives, district officials, etc.) to prepare them for the creation of election constituencies.
Report Must Be Submitted to the Department by August 4th
All district officials have been instructed to submit the report of all constituencies to the department with the proforma by August 4th. It is mandatory to attach a certificate with the report confirming that all villages falling under each Panchayat Samiti are included in the proposed constituencies and that no area has been left out.
This will ensure that the election process is fair and transparent. The State Rural Development Secretary, Ajit Balaji Joshi, has called an important meeting with officials from all districts via video conferencing on August 2nd to monitor the entire process. This meeting will review the preparations made after the reorganization of blocks. Instructions have also been issued that disciplinary action will be taken against any officer who fails to submit the proposal within the stipulated timeframe.
