The Government of Himachal Pradesh, on May 04, 2026, enacted the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2026 to amend provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 relating to Gram Sabha participation, office bearer qualifications, and governance norms in Panchayati Raj institutions. The amendment introduces the definition of “Gram Sabha member” and revises quorum requirements for Gram Sabha meetings by reducing the threshold from one-fourth of families to one-tenth of Gram Sabha members.
The amendment also revises voting thresholds under Section 91 and substantially substitutes Section 122 dealing with disqualifications for Panchayat office bearers. New disqualifications include persons facing framed charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, encroachment on government or Panchayat land by candidates or their family members, false declarations, and employment under government bodies or Panchayats. The Act further clarifies that persons engaged on contractual, part-time, or daily wage basis are included within the ambit of “employment” for disqualification purposes.
Additionally, Section 145 has been amended to include offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and Sections 41 and 42 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 as grounds relevant for Panchayat office bearers. The amendments aim to strengthen local governance accountability, transparency, and eligibility standards in Panchayati Raj institutions.
[Act No. 12 of 2026]
